Is there a viable solution for overfishing?

Answer 1

I agree with Robert R, who wrote: "stop eating fish until the supply reestablishes it self." There are great books on this subject, yet the overfishing continues. There have been laws passed, yet the overfishing continues. Nothing so far has worked, and that's because it has all focused on the supply side of the problem.

We need to focus on the demand side, that is, the people like you and me who eat fish. It's not reasonable to just stop eating fish or to expect others to do so. Fish are too important to many cultures and diets around the world. However, it IS reasonable to reduce the amount of fish we eat and to suggest that others do so.

I actually wrote and illustrated a book about this. I decided to target children and their families with a simple story that rhymes and includes cute pictures. I don't identify any of the characters by name because that would imply that the problem is because of China, or the U.S., or Japan, when it's actually a global issue.

Please read the book and see if you agree with the solution: for five days a week, don't eat fish. In the words of the main character:

"For five days a week we'll have something else to eat,
maybe vegetables and bread, fruit salad or meat.
The fish will have time to have babies and then,
slowly the oceans will fill up again."

You can see it here:

http://www.nofishinmydish.com/

Answer 2

The solution is a lower global population competing for the food.
This is what Garrett Hardin was describing when he wrote The "Tragedy of the Commons".

Answer 3

More strict regulations on fishing!!. Not many years ago they proposed to lower the quotas on fishing. They abrubtly denied it. today they are getting less than 1/3 of what the proposed quota was. why? because they were greedy and didn't see the need for the quota in the first place. They would have way more now, had they agreed then. The tunas are a perfect example. regulate quotas by the use of past (recent) experiences. That is the only viable solution.

Answer 4

There need to be "no fishing" reserves set aside to allow some populations a safe haven, caps on sensitive species revised every 5 years, and restrictions but into place if estimated populations of threatened species fall below unacceptable level.

Up the fines for repeat offenders and confiscate boats and revoke licenses for third strike offenders.

Fish farms are not a perfect solution, but can offer some relief as long as regulations are in place to provide genetic viabilitity and the consumer.

Eat a varied diet, and/or go vegetarian.

Answer 5

We can stop fishing as much, but people need to eat and make $/survive in society...

Just like any resource, we need to make sure more fish are being born/surviving, than we take away.

Perhaps we could only eat fish that are bred by us (in a man-made pond, lake, tank, etc.). That way, we can preserve ecosystems and make sure we have enough to eat. I believe global warming is also affecting fishes' ability to breed/survive... it's affecting the ecosystems as a whole, so we really need to make an overall change...

Answer 6

Unfortunately international regulations vary.Yes there is is a solution but not so much with over fishing but with pollution and habitat.Each species requires different ecosystems to thrive they also go thru cycles ie: size,maturity,sex,and the ability to adapt to changes.

Answer 7

stop eating fish until the supply reestablishes it self,

Answer 8

Fish less.

Answer 9

Eat more chicken and beef.

Answer 10

fish farms?