7.5.3: Sustainable fisheries
Not started yet — this one needs some love.
Sustainable fishing means catching fish at a rate that allows enough to survive, breed and replace the fish that are removed.
Fish stocks in the oceans are declining; they should be maintained at a level where breeding continues.
if breeding stops, some species may disappear altogether in certain areas
Control of net size and fishing quotas are important in conserving fish stocks at a sustainable level.
a larger net mesh lets smaller fish escape so they can grow and breed
fishing quotas limit the number caught so enough remain to breed and maintain the stock
Common exam mistakes
Do not just write “catch fewer fish”. Explain that enough fish must survive to breeding age, reproduce, and replace the fish removed by fishing.
For larger mesh nets, be precise: smaller, younger fish escape so they can grow, breed, and help maintain fish stocks.
For quotas, link the limit to sustainability: fewer fish are removed, so breeding can continue and the population can recover over time.