“U.S. Fishing Policy Is Boosting Fish Populations, Not Constraining Most Fisheries.” EPIC, 27 June 2023, epic.uchicago.edu/news/us-fishing-policy-is-boosting-fish-populations-not-constraining-most-fisheries/.
In America commercial fishing employs over 1.2 million people and generates more than $165 billion dollars annually. Global warming and sea level rise and greatly threatening commercial fisheries. The Magnuson-Stevens Act reactivation was stalled for a decade because of how strict it is. More advanced and liberal universities debate the claims of its strictness claiming that it is a very effective way to rebuild the fish population but doesn’t necessarily limit fishers. Sustainable fishing is achievable with different guidelines and regulations but we need to change the ways we are currently fishing for that to be possible.
This article relates to environmental science because it gives really shocking statistics on how impactful the fishing industry is for America. These statistics show how important it is to protect the resources we do have and different ways we’re trying to do that. It also shows how environmental science, specifically in relating to regulations and laws, has become so political in our world today.
I agree with you on how ridiculous it is that sustainable fishing practices, which create healthier ecosystems and more fish(food) for us have become so politically divided. I am glad however that this fishing policy is working and boosting fish populations without harming fishers. Hopefully, more countries can take such actions so that fish populations stay at a healthier population since a lot of fish that is sold comes from overseas as well. Do you think this policy also creates new jobs, change it, or lower it?
I totally agree with you that we need to switch to more sustainable fishing techniques so that we can combat global warming and sea level rise. Politicalizing this issue doesn’t make any sense because it is a problem that will effect us all in the future. What is the Mainuson-Steven Act? Do you think it should be re-activated?
I never knew about this until now and I fully agree that we need to switch our sustainable fishing techniques as soon as possible. How do you think we can help all countries switch to sustainable fishing techniques in the near future?