Fisheries

Definition of a fishery
- A fishery involves the taking of fish and encompasses:
- Fish stocks (the populations of fish)
- People (fishermen) who take fish
- All other related aspects
  - Equipment (ships, gear, etc.)
  - Supply chain dynamics
  - Final consumers
  - Stakeholders in fishery management
- The complexity of fisheries suggests they are an extension of a hunting culture.
Wild Caught vs. Aquaculture
- "Wild caught": Fish harvested from their natural habitats.
- Aquaculture: The farming of fish and shellfish in controlled environments.
What controls fisheries yield?
- Factors affecting yield include biological dynamics, environmental conditions, and human management practices.
Fisheries Management Concepts
- "We don't manage the fish; we manage the people." – Dr. Kenny Broad, emphasizing the human aspect in fisheries management.

Fisheries are deeply integrated within cultures globally, leading to:
- Significant economic impacts
- Important food source narratives
- Cultural representation with fishermen often being regarded as cultural heroes.

Small-Scale Fisheries: Involves few or no boats; often local.
Subsistence Fisheries: Focused on individuals catching fish primarily to feed their families.
Artisanal Fisheries: Can be a combination of small-scale, subsistence, and commercial fisheries.
Commercial Fisheries: Aimed at market sales and profit generation.
Recreational Fisheries: Engaged for leisure, such as fishing for fun.

Fisheries provide nearly 25% of global human protein intake annually.
Both aquaculture and wild caught fisheries contribute equally at 50% each to this food source.
- Protein Sources:
- Primary: Fish, shellfish
- Luxury items: Lobster, caviar
- Fish feed: Processed fish meal for animals
Industrial fisheries play a critical role in sustaining the projected population growth by 2050 and addressing climate-related dangers.

Current population: 8 billion, with projections to reach 8.26 billion by 2025.
- Historical growth observed from 1800 (1 billion) to 2021.

Fisheries production stats primarily dominated by pelagic marine fish, demersal marine fish, freshwater species, mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic plants.
Notable leveling off of wild fish capture since the 1990s.

Increasing global fish consumption, currently at 15% of total animal protein intake (rising in specific demographics).
Capture (wild) fish production has plateaued, while aquaculture comprises 51% of global fish production as of 2022.
Four major aquaculture categories:
- Marine finfish (e.g., salmon)
- Crustaceans (primarily shrimp)
- Bivalves
- Seaweed

Coastal Pelagics: Examples include herring, salmon, anchovies, and sardines.
Demersal Fish: Such as cod, haddock, and hake are vital for food supply.
Large Pelagics: Tunas and swordfish serving both economic and recreational needs.
Invertebrates: Shrimp and mollusks make up a significant portion of fisheries production and consumption.

Bycatch definition: Incidental capture of non-target species, which can include various marine wildlife (e.g., dolphins, turtles).
- U.S. fisheries discard around 20% of their total catch annually, leading to ecological implications.
The tragic consequences of fishing methods like trawling, longlining, and blast fishing have been documented.
Notable examples of high bycatch and discard rates within specific fisheries reveal the challenges of sustainable fishing practices.

Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY): The largest yield that can be taken while maintaining stock levels.
- Historical approaches framed within mathematical models emphasize modern needs for holistic ecosystems modeling to consider interactions among fish populations.
Techniques for achieving sustainable yield:
- Setting quotas
- Regulating fishing licenses and equipment
- Defining fishing seasons and marine protected areas
- Evaluating total allowable catch (TAC)

NOAA (National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration): Core entity responsible for managing fisheries, focusing on a wide range of issues from sustainability to biodiversity.
Regional Councils: Foster participatory governance and manage marine fisheries within their jurisdictions.

The Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act of 1976 provides federal authority over fisheries and defines the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
The Sustainable Fisheries Act mandates rebuilding fish stocks based on an ecosystem approach and minimizing bycatch significantly.

Case study of Newfoundland Cod Fishery: Initial prosperity leading to a collapse due to overharvesting and insufficient regulatory measures.
Apalachicola Bay Oysters: Examining recent declines driven by environmental stressors and management failures.
Review of Bering Sea Crabs reveals sensitivities to climate impacts and population management crises.

Issues include managing feeding logistics, disease in concentrated environments, potential for natural habitat impacts, and environmental pollution.
Innovations such as Integrated Multi-Trophic Aquaculture introduce efficient farming practices balancing nutrient cycles.

Numerous courses related to fisheries are offered across marine biology and ecology, fostering future expertise in sustainable management and ecosystem studies.
Practical research engagements are encouraged, including the examination of fish morphology and sustainability studies.