It is quite a common occurrence for a fisherperson to come across a school of fish slowly swimming towards the surface of the water, only to be followed by numerous stunned silver fish as the ones they caught earlier finally wake up from their underwater slumber, frantically trying to free themselves from their entrapment.
This was most likely the case for the fisherperson whose boat was overtaken by a huge wave in the Pacific Ocean, washing their boat and all of its contents into the water, killing all of their catches, along with the sharks and rays they were carrying home for supper. They would have slowly found their way back to shore and spent their first night out in the open ocean watching the lantern lights of vessels far away flicker through the darkness in the distance, only to return the next day to the exact same spot they started from, hopelessly trying to find their way back to land in complete darkness, exhausted and wet, after a 12-hour journey during which they had to keep awake to prevent themselves from drowning.
It is often said that fishing is a ‘recreational activity’ and that anglers ‘get their kicks’ from watching fish swim around their lures. But what exactly does that mean? Are they getting a thrill from seeing a fish struggle, or does it take some time for the fish to feel safe enough around humans to start reproducing? Do fish have an awareness of their surroundings or is it simply a matter of chance that they are drawn to humans and their boats? Is it possible to ‘train’ fish to trust humans and become comfortable around them? Can fishing ever be considered a ‘pro-environmental’ activity? Should it be?
Some species of fish can reproduce quite quickly – within a year or two, others can take longer. There are exceptions for all ‘races’, but some fish are generally faster than others. For example, the European eel can complete a reproductive cycle in just three months, while the pacific white seabass can take up to five years. So, when we think about the fish that populate our waters, how long does it take for them to reproduce? Is the ‘catch and release’ approach sustainable, and if not, what exactly are we doing wrong?
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Does Fishing Have A ‘Sustainable’ Approach?
The most notable characteristic of a recreational fisherperson is that they always seem to be after ‘free-range’ fish. This means that they are keen to catch fish species that are quite distant from each other in terms of their home ranges, but still within their geographical reach. Essentially, these are the fish that are the hardest to catch and often have the most sophisticated senses of smell and taste – making them quite elusive to humans. For example, the marlin is a popular catch among recreational fishers, mostly because it is so hard to catch. The challenge of bringing this large fish to the surface, where the angler can reel it in, is a major attraction. But the thrill of landing a marlin is quite fleeting, as they can only be kept for a short while before they start to deteriorate.
Since 2010, there has been a 60% decline in the number of young people getting involved in traditional fishing. Why? Because in an age of smartphone games, it has become much easier to catch fish digitally. With the click of a button, a fishing rod can be transformed into a laser cane, and the water’s surface into a screen, on which tiny fish swim around a lure or hook. The allure of catching a fish is, therefore, no longer about the struggle, but about the simplicity. Because of this, many young people now see no value in spending 12 hours a day for weeks on end trying to reel in a fish that might not even be suitable to eat. Instead, they would prefer to sit in a boat, watching fish swim past on their screen, until they lose interest and put their devices away.
The Rise Of Fishing Specializations
When we think about the fishing industry, we usually think about the people who work in it. But there is another side to the story – one that rarely makes it into the mainstream media. Because of advances in marine science and technology, recreational fishers have diversified, not only into more sophisticated equipment, but also into more ‘specialized’ areas of the fishing trade. Take, for example, the wahoo – one of the most popular fish species among recreational fishers. The wahoo can grow quite large, and is, therefore, quite easy to catch. But it is quite a specialized fish, inhabiting deep waters beyond the reach of almost all humans. A few years ago, it was only available in large portions, which required a large crew to bring to the surface. Today, thanks to technological advances, a small diver can bring up a wahoo in under three minutes – a far cry from the days when a whole fishing team would struggle for half a day, simply to bring one fish to the surface.
There are numerous other examples of specialized fishing techniques that have sprung up around the world in recent years, including:
- Mahi-mahi, which lives in warm water temperatures and is only available during certain times of the year. It was only recently that recreational fishers learned how to target this fish species, which means it has never been easier for people to get their fix. The only problem is that mahi-mahi are quite difficult to prepare, as they require quite a bit of expertise.
- Kingfish, which is found in tropical waters and is a close cousin of the mighty marlin. It is quite easy to catch, but quite a bit of a challenge to prepare, as it requires an expert knowledge of how to cut up a large fish on a beach.
- Gonzo fish, which are quite common around Africa and Asia and can grow quite large. Anglers generally target these fish for their beautiful colors and patterns, although they are quite tasty too.
- Yellowtail, which inhabits the waters around Australia and feeds on invertebrates such as shrimp and plankton, which means its colors vary from light to dark, making it quite difficult to catch with the naked eye.
- And, of course, there is the humble fish, which can only be found near the surface of the water. These are the fish that we all know and love – the ones that are suitable to eat after all. Yet, despite the variety of fishing tackle available today, these are still the most popular fish among recreational fishers.
The Effects Of Fishing On Marine Life
There are many ways in which fishing can impact the environment. For example, the bycatch – the fish and other marine life that are accidentally caught in the nets. The world’s oceans are estimated to contain more than 10 million metric tonnes of plastic waste, including straws, bottle caps, and more. Aside from the obvious impact on marine life, these items pose a threat to both human health and the ecosystem as a whole. And who is tending these nets? Most often, it is young people, who are then robbed of their childhoods, as they have to spend more time working than playing. The effects of fishing on human health are also significant. Aside from the obvious health risks associated with prolonged exposure to the water, there is a growing body of evidence to suggest that too much screen time, especially when combined with the lack of physical activity inherent in sedentary jobs, could have dire consequences for the human organism.
The effects of fishing on marine life are difficult to quantify. It is well known that fishing bycatch is a significant problem, especially in developing countries, where the demand for fish is high, yet the capacity to deal with waste is low. In these places, discards accumulate quickly, creating unsightly and dangerous garbage patches that are a source of concern for local fishermen and inhabitants. As with most industries, technological improvements have made a significant difference, with many fishers now using new techniques, such as circle hooks and long lines, which minimize the amount of bycatch while still allowing them to catch their allotted quota.
The Decline Of Traditional Fishing
In some places, such as California and the British Isles, the decline in traditional fishing is quite evident. The amount of fish caught per angler varies from year to year, but in general terms, it is on the decline. What is responsible for this? Well, it could be a number of things. Global warming is predicted to have a significant effect on fish species and their distribution. As the temperature of the water increases, so do the odds of a fish being able to survive. In some places, such as California, where sea levels are rising and opening up new areas of ocean for the state’s inhabitants to explore, there are now fewer fish in the oceans than there used to be. This is because some species are unable to deal with the changes in their environment, and will either move closer to the shore, or migrate to cooler waters. Either way, it is bad news for recreational fishermen, who have adapted their techniques to use the resources that are available to them.