|
'...a reminder that fishing crews know our seas better than anyone...'
Shetland fishing crews urge longer-term look at marine biodiversity
UNITED KINGDOM
Monday, September 30, 2024, 00:10 (GMT + 9)
Two new papers published by the Shetland Fishermen’s Association show the need to take a long-term view when it comes to assessing the abundances of marine species.
The new analysis reveals that, while there have been large fluctuations year-to-year, the volume of fish in the North Sea has generally increased over the last 50 years - and in particular over the last 20 years.
The assessment is based on the annual scientific fish stock surveys and assessments carried out by governments to inform the total allowable catches (TACs) for the fishing industry, agreed in negotiations between coastal states every year.
The trends in the abundance of Scottish seabirds have also been analysed, revealing that – although seabird populations have fallen in recent years – there are only slightly fewer seabirds in Scotland than there were 50 years ago. At the same time, the biomass of seabird species has increased substantially, indicating healthy and productive seas.
The Scottish Government has regularly highlighted falling seabird populations as evidence of a biodiversity ‘crisis’ in Scotland’ seas. However, choosing to view these abundances through a highly selective time period has masked the fact that seabird populations have returned to broadly ‘normal’ levels in a historical context, following population booms of recent decades.
.jpg) SFA executive officer Daniel Lawson said: “These figures are a reminder that fishing crews know our seas better than anyone, and see the evidence every day of healthy and productive waters. Despite the misleading claims of some anti-fishing campaigners, North Sea fish stocks are far from in decline: we have seen a steady increase over the past 50 years, and particularly in the last 20 years.”
“Fishing crews question the government’s assertion that falling seabird numbers indicate a marine biodiversity ‘crisis’. This analysis – looking back over a longer time period – perhaps helps explain that divergence in views. Seabird populations have returned to more historically normal levels, and – interestingly – the decline of recent years matches a reduction in fishing activity. It’s clear that the relationship between seabird population sizes and fishing activity, as a source of food for seabirds, warrants further investigation.”
The full papers – Trends in the Abundances of North Sea Fish, and Trends in the Abundances of Scotland’s Seabirds – can be viewed here:
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
|
Print
