CONSERVATION OF FISHERIES

CONSERVATION OF FISHERIES
Fisheries management draws on fisheries science to formulate rules and regulations that
define where, how, and how many fish can be caught each year. The aim is to allow us to harvest
as much as possible without destabilizing the delicate marine ecosystem, thus ensuring the
availability of fresh-caught fish to future generations. Fisheries managers look at data provided
by scientists and use complex models to predict how present fishing efforts will affect the future
numbers of various species and distinct genetic populations (“stocks”). If a certain species or
stock is identified as being threatened or endangered, fishing may have to be strictly limited or
even prohibited in broad areas to allow the fish to recover. Better understanding of the location
and migration patterns of each stock so that limits or closures of fisheries can be as specific as
possible. This will help us continue to protect our environment and natural resources without
destroying the livelihoods of the humans who depend on the sea to survive.

According to Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the goals of fisheries management
specified below

1. Prevent overfishing while achieving optimum yield.

2. Be based upon the best scientific information available.

3. Manage individual stocks as a unit throughout their range, to the extent practicable;
interrelated stocks shall be managed as a unit or in close coordination.

4. Not discriminate between residents of different states; any allocation of privileges must be
fair and equitable.

5. Where practicable, promote efficiency, except that no such measure shall have economic
allocation as its sole purpose.

6. Take into account and allow for variations among and contingencies in fisheries, fishery
resources, and catches.

7. Minimize costs and avoid duplications, where practicable.

8. Take into account the importance of fishery resources to fishing communities to provide
for the sustained participation of, and minimize adverse impacts to, such communities
(consistent with conservation requirements).

9. Minimize by catch or mortality from by catch.

10. Promote safety of human life at sea.

Dr.C.V.Narasimha murthy. Associate professor (Contract), VSUPGCenter,Kavali. M.Sc.Zoology, notes-2016

The responsibility for interpreting and applying this law is divided between regional
management councils, each being responsible for a broad area of coastline.

The Council itself is made up of representatives from member states, native tribes, fish and
wildlife management agencies, fishermen, and citizens with extensive knowledge of fishing and
conservation. These hard working men and women are rarely in the public eye, but their efforts
ensure that ordinary people are free to enjoy delicious fresh seafood now and for many years to
come.

Dr.C.V.Narasimha murthy. Associate professor (Contract), VSUPGCenter,Kavali. M.Sc.Zoology, notes-2016