Fishery facts for kids
A fishery is a place where people catch or raise fish and other aquatic animals. It can also mean the business of doing this. There are two main types: wild fisheries, where fish are caught from their natural homes, and fish farms, where fish are raised. Most fishing happens in oceans (about 90%), but some is in freshwater (about 10%).
Many people around the world, about 500 million, rely on fisheries for their jobs and food. In 2016, 171 million tonnes of fish were caught or farmed. However, a big problem is overfishing, which means catching too many fish. This can make fish populations shrink.
Because fisheries are so important, they have rules and laws to manage them. These rules help prevent too much fishing and protect the environment. They also help make sure fishing stays profitable.
Sadly, fish populations are getting smaller, and oceans are facing pollution. Coastal areas, which are important for fish, are also being damaged. This makes it harder for people who depend on fishing to earn a living and get food. Climate change also affects oceans, which can change where fish live and how many there are.
Contents
What is a Fishery?
The FAO says a fishery is an activity where people harvest fish. This can be catching wild fish or raising fish through aquaculture. A fishery is usually defined by who is involved, what kind of fish they catch, where they fish, how they fish, and what type of boats they use.
Sometimes, the definition of a fishery includes not only the people who fish, but also the fish themselves and the places where the fish live.
What does 'fish' mean?
The word "fish" can mean different things:
- In biology: A fish is an aquatic animal with gills throughout its life. It might also have fish fins. Some aquatic animals, like shellfish or jellyfish, are often called "fish" but are not true fish in this scientific sense.
- In fisheries: The term "fish" is used more broadly. It includes mollusks (like clams), crustaceans (like crabs), and any other aquatic animals that are caught or farmed for money.
- True fish: To avoid confusion, biologists sometimes use "true fish" or "finfish" to talk about fish that fit the strict biological definition. This helps tell them apart from other aquatic animals caught in fisheries.
Different Kinds of Fisheries
The fishing industry can be divided into three main types:
- Commercial fishing: This is done to sell fish for profit.
- Recreational fishing: This is done for fun, like sport fishing.
- Subsistence fishing: This is done by people to feed themselves and their families.
Fisheries can be in saltwater (oceans) or freshwater (lakes and rivers). They can also be wild (catching fish in their natural habitat) or farmed (raising fish). Examples include the salmon fishery in Alaska or shrimp farms in China.
Most of the world's fish catch (about 90%) comes from oceans and seas. These marine catches have been steady since the mid-1990s. Most ocean fisheries are close to the coast. This is because it's easier to fish in shallower waters, and there are more nutrients near the coast, which means more fish. However, some wild fisheries are in the open ocean, especially near underwater mountains called seamounts.
While most fisheries are wild, farmed fisheries are growing. Fish farming can happen in coastal areas, like oyster farms, or inland in lakes, ponds, and tanks.
A small number of species make up most of the world's fish catch. These include herring, cod, anchovy, tuna, squid, shrimp, salmon, crab, lobster, oyster, and scallops. In 1999, herring and sardines alone provided over 22 million metric tons of fish.
Why Fisheries are Important
More than 500 million people in developing countries depend on fisheries and aquaculture for their jobs and livelihoods. However, overfishing is reducing fish stocks and jobs in many parts of the world.
In 2014, global fisheries added about US$270 billion a year to the world's economy. If fishing were fully sustainable, this amount could increase by US$50 billion. Besides commercial fishing, recreational fishing is also very popular and important for the economy in many places.
How much fish is produced?
In 2016, the total amount of fish produced reached a record high of 171 million tonnes. About 88% of this was eaten directly by people. This was thanks to steady wild fishing, less waste, and continued growth in aquaculture. This led to a record-high average of 20.3 kg of fish eaten per person in 2016. Since 1961, the amount of fish eaten globally has grown twice as fast as the world's population.
The FAO made some predictions for the period up to 2030:
- The amount of fish produced, eaten, and traded around the world is expected to grow, but at a slower rate.
- Even though China's wild fish catch might decrease, the world's total wild catch is expected to increase slightly if resources are managed well. Growing aquaculture is expected to fill the gap between how much fish is needed and how much is available.
- Fish prices will go up in terms of money, but might feel cheaper compared to other goods over time.
- More fish will be available for food in all regions. However, the amount of fish eaten per person might go down in Africa, which is a concern for food security.
- Trading fish products is expected to grow slower than before, but the amount of fish that is exported should stay about the same.
Managing Fisheries
Fisheries management is about making sure we can keep fishing for a long time without running out of fish. It involves setting rules and making plans to protect fish populations and their habitats. This helps keep fisheries healthy and productive.
Global goals for fisheries
International groups are paying attention to these issues. Sustainable Development Goal 14 "Life Below Water" sets goals for countries to protect coastal areas and support sustainable ways of fishing and farming aquatic animals.
Fisheries and the Environment
Fishing can have an impact on the environment. This includes things like overfishing, which reduces fish populations, and bycatch, which is when other animals (like turtles or dolphins) are accidentally caught. Fishing gear can also damage the seafloor.
Climate change effects
Climate change is also affecting fisheries. As oceans get warmer and more acidic, fish might move to new areas. This can change where fisheries are located and how many fish are available, making it harder for some fisheries to continue.
See also
In Spanish: Explotación pesquera para niños
- Fisheries science
- Ocean fisheries
- Population dynamics of fisheries
Images for kids
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Percentage of fisheries exploited over time
