CalOceans News

Plenty of fish in the sea?

In a recent article, Lance Morgan, Vice President for Science at Marine Conservation Institute, cited a number of scientific studies, and a re-envisioned halibut derby to highlight the stark reality of overfishing off California's coast.

As fishing technology improves along with demand for fresh seafood, new conservation measures are required to keep pace.  Since 1990, commercial fishing revenues have dropped by half and the number of fishing boats calling at California ports is down by nearly three quarters.  Fish are getting smaller as well: scientists have documented a 45% decline in size along the west coast over the past 21 years.

At Marina Del Rey, after contestants hooked just seven halibut during the two-day derby in 2009, Marina del Rey Anglers decided to implement conservation measures to save the fish. 

President Bob Kissling said, "Every indication is we're not catching them in the quantity we used to. And we don't want to be the cause of their demise."

Sustainable fishing, including sportfishing measures adopted by groups like Marina del Rey Anglers, is part of the answer.  Another key is protecting fish feeding and breeding grounds with a system of underwater parks, as California is doing through the Marine Life Protection Act.

Studies show that marine reserves produce more and bigger plants and animals, which tend to spill out into surrounding waters.

"Reserves allow a win–win situation — better conservation and higher profitability for fishing," says Christopher Costello, a resource economist at the University of California, Santa Barbara.

World Heritage Biosphere Reserve from Gulf Program on Vimeo.

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• shifting baselines
• marine reserves
• fisheries benefits
• declining catches
• mlpa