Publisher :
Place of publication :
Publication year : 2000
Thematic : Fisheries
Language : English
Note
There are ample data that suggest fisheries exploitation affects not only target stocks
but also communities of organisms, ecological processes, and even entire ecosystems.
Conservationists, and the non-governmental organizations they represent, consider
such impacts a cause for concern, because the loss of biodiversity that can result is
largely irreversible. Those of us who view conservation of biodiversity as paramount
need good scientific information to inform our decisions on advocacy, public
awareness-raising, and support to field and policy projects. In light of what seems to be
global, serial mismanagement of commercial fisheries, conservation groups advocate a
number of measures to supplement – not replace – conventional fisheries management
regimes. First, better information is needed on the true, ecosystem-wide impacts of
fisheries activity, particularly where new fisheries are being launched, major gear
modifications are taking place, and/or major expansion of fishing effort is occurring.
Second, there must be a paradigm shift in the way evidence of impact is gathered, so
that the burden of proof and the resources spent on trying to establish that proof are
not the sole responsibility of conservationists. Third, greater use must be made of
marine-protected areas as a tool to strengthen management and to provide control
sites to further scientific understanding and promote adaptive management.
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Keywords : Pteropus melanotus
Encoded by : Pauline Carmel Joy Eje
