4 replies to this topic

[peterbj7]

I recently posted this as part of a post on the future of diving:-
"In some areas such as right here there is significant conflict between divers and other users of the sea, and the diving amenity is deteriorating rapidly. When I first moved to San Pedro [BELIZE] almost ten years ago one could be sure of seeing several "large" sharks on every dive. Now most people who dive here for a week see none at all. The reason? - as well as the general deterioration of the ocean, local fishermen are catching sharks as if they are going out of fashion (as indeed they are). I recently watched a local fisherman unloading his catch, which included a juvenile hammerhead and three other juvenile sharks. That's just one fisherman that I happened to spot - there are tens of "traditional" fishermen catching fish here every day."

I've just received an email "round Robin" from HEPCA, a conservation body concerned with diving in the northern Red Sea. It says that the Governor of South Sinai has recently decided to permit (commercial) fishing inside the Ras Mohammed National Park, which is a wonderful diving area at the southern tip of the Sinai peninsular. This is seen as a devastating decision, in fact illegal and beyond his powers, that will probably destroy a flourishing but fragile ecosystem. It won't take long before diving there is radically changed for ever.

[ScubaTex]

Peter -
I view the impact of sustinance fishermen to have a minor affect on the ecological impact of the world's fisheries. I believe it's the commerical operations through by-catch, and shark finners, who are decimating the fish stocks of the oceans. Several years ago, I noticed the tuna at my local grocery store was labeled 'product of Indonesia'. When I buy seafood, I try to make sure I buy fish caught with 'sustainable methods'. The world population is ever increasing, and demanding more protein in the form of seafood. It is apparent, we are consuming seafood at a rate which exceeds natures ability to produce it.
Just my 2 psi.

Bill

[ScubaTex]

Peter -
The link below shows how serious some are, concerning the enforcement of 'no take' zones.

Bill

http://misoolecoresort.com/news.html

[Greg@ihpil]

Peter -
I view the impact of sustinance fishermen to have a minor affect on the ecological impact of the world's fisheries. I believe it's the commerical operations through by-catch, and shark finners, who are decimating the fish stocks of the oceans. Several years ago, I noticed the tuna at my local grocery store was labeled 'product of Indonesia'. When I buy seafood, I try to make sure I buy fish caught with 'sustainable methods'. The world population is ever increasing, and demanding more protein in the form of seafood. It is apparent, we are consuming seafood at a rate which exceeds natures ability to produce it.
Just my 2 psi.

Bill

I agree Bill.It reminds me of the Whales that are in danger as well.The ONE Cap't that is waging a war in the Pacific is earnest at his mission.I wish there were more Fighters like him..Unfortunately,I don't think the "non diving" public realizes how serious it is.Your added link depicts another deplorable behavior ,thats just plain sad..

Edited by Greg@ihpil, 17 May 2011 - 04:16 PM.

[peterbj7]

There is no large-scale commercial fishing off Ambergris Caye, but all fishing is in fact commercial, not for sustenance. And it is a fact that shark viewings have dropped over the past decade from frequent and numerous to rare and solitary. I believe there is a causal relationship, as in areas away from this island that are not routinely fished there are as many shark viewings as before.