A STUDY ON THE EFFECT OF THE FISHING INDUSTRY TO OCEAN POLLUTION AND

THE NEED TO INVEST ON SUSTAINABLE, INNOVATIVE, AND ECO-FRIENDLY

FISHING

A Project Proposal submitted 

in Partial fulfillment of the requirements for the course 
Science, Technology and Society 

Roldan, Chesed Rich G. 

Reyes, Ramon Lorenzo M.
Sibala, Jezhen Justine
Reynoso, Caleb Kalvin

April 2023
Background of the Study 

In our day and age, a quantity of plastic that is equivalent to the contents of one garbage
truck load is dumped into the ocean every single minute, adding to the more than 150,000,000
tons that are already there. These plastics will ultimately break down into even smaller pieces,
known as micro plastics, which now outnumber the stars in the Milky Way galaxy by a ratio of
at least five hundred. Micro plastics are the result of these polymers breaking down into even
smaller pieces. Plastic pollution is still one of the leading causes to the loss of marine species, the
development of infectious illnesses that impact both humans and animals, and the destruction of
our natural environments. According to the research carried out by several groups of experts, the
ocean is responsible for producing between 50 and 80 percent of the oxygen that is found in the
atmosphere of our planet. Not to mention the fact that the ocean is home to around 80 percent of
the life that can be found everywhere on this globe. In view of the fact that climate change is one
of the most difficult challenges of our day, the first thing that has to be done is to safeguard the
ocean. This is one of the things that needs to be done.

Scientists with The Nature Conservancy and the University of California, Santa Barbara
(UCSB), along with the Pelagic Research Group and Hawaii Pacific University, released a new
peer-reviewed study that provides the first global estimate of plastic pollution from industrial
fisheries. The study reveals that more than 100 million pounds of plastic pollution enters the
ocean each year from lost fishing gear—providing the baseline information needed to improve
understanding of the problem and drive reforms to mitigate the flow of fisheries’ plastic
pollution. More than 100 million pounds of plastic from industrial fishing gear pollute the oceans
each year—threatening marine life.

According to The Marine Stewardship Council, Sustainable fishing means leaving

enough fish in the ocean and protecting habitats and threatened species. By safeguarding the
oceans, people who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihoods. Moreover, according to
Hilborn et. al., “Despite the many scientific and public discussions on the sustainability of
fisheries, there are still great differences in both perception and definition of the concept. Most
authors now suggest that sustainability is best defined as the ability to sustain goods and services
to human society, with social and economic factors to be considered along with environmental
impacts. The result has been that each group (scientists, economists, non-governmental
organizations (NGOs), etc.) defines “sustainable seafood” using whatever criteria it considers
most important, and the same fish product may be deemed sustainable by one group and totally
unsustainable by another one. 

Hooks and nets continue to be the two most fundamental kinds of fishing equipment,
even after thousands of years. However, throughout the course of time, new technology have
enabled fishermen to go farther, trawl deeper, and catch more fish, which has led to an increase
in the number of negative consequences on aquatic ecosystems, fisheries resources, and the
environment in general. Overfishing is depleting oceans. In its recent study, the UN Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommends a sustainable fishing strategy to protect species
and fishing activities. Ocean depths are becoming more noisy. The undersea world is emptying.
In its 2018 Living Planet report, the WWF argues that humans have removed approximately 6
billion tons of fish and other invertebrates from the oceans since 1950, making the fishing
industry the biggest danger to marine species. According to Ibedrolda 2023, the FAO claims that
intense fishing has endangered 33.1% of commercial species by preventing them from
recovering between captures. In 2018, the FAO reported that overfishing affects more than 58%
of fish populations in the South-East Pacific and South-West Atlantic, and 62% in the
Mediterranean and Black Sea. 

The effects of plastic waste on marine life and ecosystems are disastrous. The
proliferation of plastic trash in the seas is a major threat to marine life. Seals, whales, dolphins,
seabirds, fish, and crab populations, among others, are either declining or growing sick as a
direct consequence of this possible environmental disaster. Marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and
the food chain are all at risk if plastic trash plays a role in the spread of invasive species. Some
marine species have started eating plastics because they mistake them for food and the buildup of
plastics from across the globe is contributing to their malnutrition. This leads to the introduction
of microplastics into the food chain, harming the earth and its inhabitants. Since microplastics
have entered the food chain and are found everywhere (even in water, salt, beer, and vegetable
soil), this problem cannot be ignored. 

Statement of the Problem 

Generally speaking, this study will ascertain how the fishing industry affects ocean pollution,
with a focus on the need to invest in sustainable, innovative, and eco-friendly fishing.

90% of the world's fishing sector is supported by sustainable artisanal fishing, which also serves
as the foundation for the growth of small fishing communities. Sustainable fishing produces less
waste, uses less energy, and employs less harmful chemicals to the ozone layer.

Objectives 

This study aims:

a) To assess the management's effectiveness in reducing the negative effects of certain human
activities.

b) To discuss better alternative techniques and employ more sustainable fishing practices.
c) To promote awareness of the essence of biodiversity, thus providing better management and
protection of the environment.

d) To implement strict measures and policies in order to control and minimize the degrading and
harmful human activities.