Ways to Protect the Environment

Overview | Major Challenges

Overview

What is sustainable fishing?

Anyone who has eaten a tuna fish sandwich can tell you that ocean is an important and delicious source of nourishment. 'Shellfish,' or marine invertebrates such as shrimp, crabs, lobsters, clams, oysters, and mussels, are delicious, healthy foods that are high in protein and low in fat. True fish such as tuna, cod, and salmon, are also high in protein. Many fish are excellent sources of healthy fats and oils which are necessary to keep our brains, hearts and circulatory systems functioning properly.

Fish and shellfish can continue to be an important and healthy food source for humans, but only if they are harvested properly. Unfortunately, many of the current ways that fish and shellfish are caught can be destructive to both marine habitats and the marine food chain. The following websites provides a good overview of different ways to catch fish and shellfish, as well as information about raising and farming fish, a process called aquaculture.

Why is sustainable fishing important?

Sustainable fishing is important and helps to maintain a healthy aquatic ecosystem. The term "sustainable fishing" defines fishing practices that do not harm the population of fish being caught or other species of animals living in the same area. Sustainable fishing practices protect the physical environment in which fish live.

Research Links Related to Sustainable Fishing:

• Caribbean Conservation Corporation -- Loggerhead Turtles
  Fact Sheet plus global map of nesting sites
   
• http://www.blueocean.org/pdfs/miniguide_color.pdf
  This site allows you to print a 'wallet card' which you can carry with you and share with your friends and family.
   
• Monterey Bay Aquarium - Seafood WATCH
  This site allows you to print a 'wallet card' which you can carry with you and share with your friends and family.
   
• National Geographic -- Loggerhead Turtles
  Sea turtle profile, photos and video on the lifestyle of the Loggerhead Turtle.
   
• NOAA Fisheries - Office of Protected Resources - Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs)
  Information on Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs)
   
• NOAA Magazine Article
  NOAA Partners with Fishery Organizations, Academia, and Private Industry to Develop New Technologies that Save Sea Turtles
   
• Pinnipeds.org -- California Sea Lion
  Covers distribution and numbers, status and lifestyle. Great photos.
   
• Pinnipeds.org -- Harbor Seal
  Covers distribution, status and lifestyle. Great photos.
   
• Pinnipeds.org -- Harp Seal
  Covers distribution, status and lifestyle. Great photos.
   
• Pinnipeds.org -- Hawaiian Monk Seal
  Covers distribution, status and lifestyle. Great photos.
   
• Pinnipeds.org -- Walrus
  Covers distribution, Status and lifestyle. Great photos.
   
• The Nature Conservancy - Save of the Week - June 28, 2005
  The Nature Conservancy, Partners Bring Together Disparate Interests to Protect Underwater Habitat
   
• WWF Loggerhead Turtles
  Physical description, ecology & habitat, Population & distribution, threats (bycatch) and importance to marine ecosystems.