Environmental hazards from fishing industry

Fishing nets as barriers to movement of marine animals
Environmental hazards from fish and shellfish production

Nature

Effluent and waste from fish farms may damage wild fish, seals and shellfish. Fish farmers use tiny quantities of highly toxic chemicals to kill lice: one overdose could be devastating. So-called "by-catches", or the incidental taking of non-commercial species in drift nets, trawling operations and long line fishing, is responsible for the death of large marine animals and one factor in the threatened extinction of some species.

Incidence

There is an estimated 50% mortality rate for turtles who mistakenly take bait intended for game fish and are cut free with damaged mouths or hooks embedded in their mouths. Drift nets accidentally drown seabirds and cetaceans, in addition to capturing turtles. Fishermen are reported to kill dolphins to preserve their own fish catch.

An average of one humpback whale has died each year in Hawaiian waters due to direct strikes by moving boats or entanglement in fishing gear. However, in 1996 there was a sharp rise in deaths, with the loss of eight humpbacks from encounters with human-created obstacles. The numbers for 1997 are expected to be equally elevated. Most fatalities happen to newborn calves and does not bode well for the recovery of this endangered species.

Claim

The environmental hazards posed by the fishing industry are a critical issue that demands urgent attention. Overfishing depletes marine ecosystems, while destructive practices like bottom trawling devastate habitats and biodiversity. Additionally, plastic pollution from fishing gear threatens marine life and contaminates our oceans. The fishing industry's impact on climate change through carbon emissions further exacerbates the crisis. We must prioritize sustainable practices and enforce regulations to protect our oceans and ensure a healthy planet for future generations.

Counter-claim

While some may argue that the fishing industry poses environmental hazards, this perspective overlooks the industry's vital role in global food security and economic stability. The focus on potential risks often distracts from the sustainable practices being implemented. Moreover, the benefits of responsible fishing far outweigh the perceived environmental concerns. Instead of vilifying the industry, we should support its evolution towards sustainability, recognizing that it is not an important problem but rather a sector in transition.