Download Conserving Wild Fisheries

Conserving Wild Fisheries
Background: The world's fisheries are in crisis. Years of chronic overfishing, pollution, and
habitat destruction have stripped our seas of much of their vitality and productivity.
Without swift action, ocean ecosystems will continue to deteriorate, and so too will the
sustenance, jobs, and recreational pleasures they provide.
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Many of the most popular fish -- like cod, snapper, and tuna -- are dangerously depleted,
yet continue to be overfished.
More than half of global fish populations are fully exploited and about one-third are
overexploited or collapsed.
Studies estimate that overfishing costs about $50 billion per year in lost fishing
opportunities, about half the value of the global seafood trade
The NRDC has been promoting sustainable fishing practices in the U.S for two decades now,
and we’re seeing signs of real progress. Progress has occurred through fishing policies,
promoting conservation-minded approaches to how fisheries are managed, and
enforcing/defending laws to stop destructive fishing practices.
The use of GIS can show politicians and fisheries where fish populations are depleted, or in
danger of becoming depleted. A series of maps can be made to compare population densities
in specific fishing areas as well. From this, a buffer can be made to show fishers which regions
are safe to fish in, and what regions should not be fished.
Literature Review: According to a recent NRDC report, 64 percent of once-overfished, monitored fish
stocks nationwide have been rebuilt or made significant progress thanks to additional protections
added to the federal fisheries law in 1996. This has translated into an economic boost to segments of
the fishing industry, with gross commercial revenues for the rebuilt stocks up 92 percent (54 percent
when adjusted for inflation).
Hypothesis: Can GIS help the conservation of wild fisheries? Which fisheries are in the most
danger of depletion? Which fisheries are currently depleted?
Data: For this project numerical data on fishery populations the amount of fish taken from
each fishery will be needed. Also, an ocean map that shows the locations of the fisheries will
be needed.
Populations and the amount of fish taken from each fishery can be found online, and by asking
fishery managers. An ocean map can be found online, but the locations will most likely have
to be added in.
Depending on what data can be found will depend on how the project will be structured.
Methods: Once a map is created of the ocean overlaid by the fishery locations, and the
numerical data of the populations and fish withdraws are inputted into excel, the numerical
data can be joined to the shapefiles of the fishery locations. From this a series of thematic
maps can be created to show population decreases over the years, population densities, and
which fisheries lose the most amount of fish.
Anticipated Results: I expect to find which fisheries are the most depleted and in danger of
becoming completely depleted based on map comparisons.
Policy Applications: The results from this project can give politicians something to look at.
The maps, along with numerical data, politicians can see the effects that are taken place on
wild fisheries and decide which policies and regulations should be made.
Budget: The only cost would be GIS in itself. The program would need to be purchased so it
can be installed on a personal/mobile computer. There may be travel time if data cannot be
collected online, and if a presentation is required.
Timeframe: Depends on data collection and GIS experience. Approximately two weeks.
Sources
1. United Nations, Food & Agriculture Organization, "State of World Fisheries and
Aquaculture 2010."
2. World Bank and U.N. Food & Agriculture Organization, "The Sunken Billions: The
Economic Justification of Fisheries Reform," (2009).
3. www.nrdc.org