Wednesday May 14, 2003 at 1:38 PM
Predatory fish down by 90%
Appearing in The Environment
A new study published in Nature (vol 423, p 280) and reported by New Scientist, concludes that the global population of large predatory fish has fallen by 90% in the last 50 years. Effected species include sharks, marlin, swordfish and tuna. The 10 year study by Ransom Myers and Boris Worm also shows that the surviving members of the population are only one-fifth to one-half the size of earlier individuals.
Another example of the impotence of governmental efforts to save global fisheries from destruction by a commercial fishing industry that can destroy any given population or resource quicker than the necessary regulatory framework can be established. Quoting Myers, “I think it means we have to fish a lot less.” In other words, we better find something else to eat.
Comments
Pretty depressing. I've avoided swordfish for years because of the Monterey Bay Aquarium recomendations (I don't care much for the other fish listed).
On the bright side, General Foods will probably accelerate its development of Soylent Green!
Posted by: Jim on Wed May 14, 03
It is terrible that people are letting this happen! Fishing laws need to be stricter and well enforced. My lifes ambition is to study Marine Biology and when I do achieve this goal there will be no fish left for me to study! People who are reading this, PLEASE take into account that fish help you and me so why must we hurt them? For me and everyother little girl that dreams of studying fish for a living, let them live! I want to be a part of them but that is not possible if people keep ruthlessly killing them! Most of all, do it for the fish! They are living creatures like you and me! Thank you and please remember how important this issue is! Any way you can help will be so great! Print out a seafood card to help you make wiser seafood decisions when eating fish. WE CAN HELP THE FISH TOGETHER!!!!!
Posted by: Krista on Wed May 14, 03
Let me just say that my friend Krista and I are meant to be marine biologists...we are in highschool and if all those fishermen keep killing our fish our dreams will be crushed...how does that make you feel to crush kids dreams? Thats crazy and i wont stand for it... somethings are going to be changed, theres no way marine biologists can study when you people are eating our studies....SAVE THE FISH!:)
Posted by: Alexandra on Wed May 14, 03