Q 1.

With the help of examples, name and describe the strategies used to manage
fish stocks?
Sustainability in fisheries combines theoretical disciplines. Population
dynamics of fisheries, with practical strategies are an essential practice that
countries belonging to European Union needs to follow. Some of the practices /
strategies that can be adopted are :
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
v)

Avoiding overfishing
Allotting individual fishing quotas to each of the EU nations,
Curtailing destructive and illegal fishing practices ,
Zones might be defined to confine the use of certain fishing equipments to
less sensitive areas,
To protect spawning or nursery areas, or to give preferential access to
skilled fishermen with their fishing vessels.

Q2.a. Describe what Figure 2.53 shows about fish stocks in North Sea?
Fig. 2.53 shows that there has been a significant decline in fish stocks for
human consumption in North Sea in a span of 32 years (1967-1999). The
maximum and most significant decline is seen in Sole Fish stock and Haddock
fish stock as against the Cod in the North Sea region.
b. What suggests that management of North Sea fish stocks is essential?
The descending graphical records show that there has been a significant
decline in fish stock of certain species in the North Sea region.
i)
ii)
iii)

Sol species from 1800 tonnes in 1970s to approx. 500 tonnes in 1999
Haddock species from 1400 tonnes in 1970s to less than 500 tonnes in
1999.
Cod species - from apprx 400 tonnes in the year between 1980 -1985, to
less than 100 tonnes in 1999.
Hence it suggests that management of North Sea fish stock is very- very
essential.

c. Give reasons why successful management is difficult to achieve?

Successful management of North Sea fish stocks is difficult to achieve
because:
i)

ii)

Failure to follow scientific advice. Many fisheries management bodies do

not heed scientific advice on fish quotas and set catch limits above the
recommended maximum amount.
Too few no-go areas for fishing. Protected areas and no-take zones, where
fishing is banned or strictly regulated, can provide essential safe havens

iii)

iv)
v)

where young fish can grow to maturity and reproduce before they are
caught.
Lack of transparency and traceability. Customs agencies and also retailers
are not always ensuring that the fish entering their country and shops is
caught legally and in a sustainable way. As a result, consumers are
unwittingly supporting poor management.
Inadequate fisheries regulations.
Lack of implementation/enforcement. Even when fisheries regulations
exist, they are not always implemented or enforced. For example,
Government of different member countries of EU under pressure from their
own fishing communities are reluctant to agree to the down-size fishing
quotas ispite of suggestions from scientific studies.