Posted by Chester Morton / Monday, 22 May 2023 / No comments
Describe some harmful fishing practices and how they affect fishery habitats
DESCRIBE HARMFUL FISHING PRACTICES
AND THEIR EFFECTS ON FISHERY HABITATS
Introduction
Fishing is a highly important part of life in Ghana, whether
it is for enjoyment or commerce. Although some fishing methods are quite
excellent, others are thought to be damaging to the environment and have
significant negative influence on the entire marine ecology. The viability of
the fishing sector cannot be guaranteed by destructive fishing techniques. In
this article, we will examine the list of harmful fishing practices and how
they affect the ecosystem. Some examples of harmful fishing practices include
bottom trawling, ghost fishing, shark finning, etc.
HARMFUL FISHING PRACTICES AND THEIR EFFECTS
Bottom
Trawling
Bottom
trawling is a fishing technique used to catch fish living near the bottom of
the ocean. It involves dragging a large net along the seafloor, catching any
fish that are in its path. The net is typically made from heavy-duty material
and is designed to withstand the pressure of the ocean depths. It is usually
attached to a boat and dragged behind it, with a weight on the bottom to help
keep it in contact with the seafloor. As the boat moves, the net is dragged
along the seafloor, catching any fish in its way.
Bottom
trawling has been described as harmful fishing practice because it not
discriminatory, it scoops a lot of sea creatures on the seafloor. This method
can also drastically slow down the growth of coral reefs and destroy fish
habitats. Sea grass, which provides shelter and food for juvenile fish may be
starved of food as a result of bottom trawling.
Bycatch
A
fisher man goes to catch fish, he throws his net and catches a lot of fish. He
now realized that his net has caught other fishes that it was not intended to.
These unwanted fish have to be discarded. This is called bycatch. Bycatch is a
harmful fishing practice because it destroys the lives of other animals such
as, turtles, dolphins, sharks etc.
Bycatch can be devastating to marine life and
ecosystems, as it often results in the death of the animals. Bycatch can
include species that are not targeted by fishermen, such as sharks, turtles,
dolphins, and seabirds, as well as juvenile fish and other species that are not
suitable for commercial use. Bycatch can also result in the destruction of
critical fish habitat and can negatively affect the health of the entire ocean ecosystem.
Ghost
Fishing
Ghost
fishing refers to the condition where fish and other aquatic life forms are
caught by abandoned fishing gear. There are situations where some fishing gear
is lost and left in the water body. This fishing gears, like long lines, remain
in the water and continues to entangle and kill marine life. These catches are
not intended but occurs all the same. Ghost fishing can occur when lost items
such as longlines, nets, and other fishing gear are left behind in the ocean
and continue to fish. This can lead to the entanglement of marine mammals,
seabirds, and other species, resulting in death or injury. Ghost fishing also
leads to the destruction of habitats and the displacement of fish and other
species. Ghost fishing has a lot of negative effects on the ecosystem.
Non-targeted species are accidentally captured, for example, and this may lead
to the decline in population of some species. There is also the problem of
marine debris.
Shark
Finning
Shark
fin soup is one of the delicacies on the menu of many restaurants. However, the
process of obtaining the shark fin is harmful. When a shark is caught, the fin
is removed and the rest of the body is discarded. This type of fishing practice
is a very harmful one. Shark finning a major cause of overfishing. It threatens
the existence of other aquatic organisms. In the long term, shark finning can
threaten their population and damage the marine ecosystem.
Use
of Cyanide
Some
people use cyanide to fish, though it is an illegal and dangerous practice. They
make a few drops into the water and once the fish come into contact with it,
they are stunned and reduces their agility. This makes them easier to catch. In
Ghana, it is illegal to use cyanide to fish. One serious problem associated
with the use of cyanide is that it poses a threat to the ecosystem. The coral
reefs are then unable to provide food and shelter as should be the case.
Eventually, the population of some aquatic organisms may be reduced or may even
become extinct. Using cyanide can lead to the ingestion of the same since the
products get contaminated.
Use
of Explosives
Another
harmful fishing practice is the use of explosives. Explosives are used to
generate shock waves in the water and this stuns the fish and immobilizes them
until they are scooped. Explosives are used by both commercial and recreational
fishermen. This method of fishing can destroy coral reefs and other aquatic habitats.
Apart from destruction to coral reefs, it can lead to the death of fish and
other marine organisms. Explosives are made from chemicals, so using them to
fish can lead to the release toxic chemicals into the water. This poses danger
to ecosystems. It can also contaminate water and make them unwholesome to drink.
The people who use the explosives expose themselves to the hazardous chemicals
in the explosives.
Aquaculture
Impacts
Aquaculture
refers to that type of farming where aquatic organisms are reared. Some of the
organisms reared include crustaceans, mollusks, and aquatic plants. Aquaculture
is used to supplement traditional fishing activities and to help preserve
species that are becoming increasingly scarce due to overfishing. Aquaculture can
also provide a reliable, sustainable source of food and income for coastal
communities. Examples of aquaculture techniques include rearing fish in ponds,
cages, or tanks; cultivating seaweed or shellfish on ropes or trays; and
raising shrimp in man-made ponds. In addition, aquaculture can help to restore
damaged fisheries and habitats, as well as reduce the pressure on wild fish
stocks. Aquaculture has a lot of disadvantages. It destroys the natural habitat
of wild fish. The wild fish population can also contract diseases and parasites.
Through aquaculture, aquatic alien invasive species may be introduced into the
environment. Pollutants like fertilizers and antibiotics could be introduced into
the water, which can damage the quality of the water. Interference in the
migratory patterns of wild fish may also be caused by aquaculture.
Conclusion
To conclude, harmful fishing practices have negative consequences
marine ecosystems. If the practice is not properly controlled, it can destroy
habitat of marine life forms. Fishing will become unsustainable.
Also Read:
The characteristics of fish habitats
How to identify and describe common fisheries organisms
Go to other topics in fisheries>>
