- Organization dedicated to preserving endangered fish populations
For endangered marine life, the Thünen Institute for Sea Fisheries in Bremerhaven suggests exercising caution when setting fishing limits. A study conducted in Australia reveals that even severely depleted fish populations don't recover as swiftly as predicted in stock assessments. This slow recovery is often attributed to overfishing, but environmental degradation also plays a role, as per comments made by institute expert Alexander Kempf to the German Press Agency.
When it comes to cod in the Baltic Sea, a balance must be maintained between halting fishing activities and the potential harm to local businesses. If cod stocks are also restricted, it could have far-reaching consequences, affecting other types of fishing. For instance, the flatfish fishery, which regularly catches cod as bycatch.
Interestingly, the study indicates minimal impact on sole or plaice catches in the North Sea. In this region, the biomass exceeds any reference values, and the stocks are robust. Kempf notes that the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea has assessed and set rules, but these changes have yet to reflect in the study.
The Study Uncovers Exaggerated Advice
A research team headed by Graham Edgar from the University of Tasmania (Australia) analyzed data from 230 global fishing grounds and compared the figures with models. The study underscores that recommendations frequently overestimate the fish population size and the speed of a stock's recovery.
In overfished populations, the disparity between the models used and reality is substantial. Even supposedly recovered stocks continue to dwindle over time. The study authors note in the journal "Science" that the size of stocks and the pace of their recovery have been significantly overestimated.
Kempf highlights that an intriguing aspect of the study is that it examined multiple stocks and found more overestimations than underestimations.
Advice for Consumers
For consumers, the study emphasizes the importance of considering sustainability and choosing stocks in good condition. Certified fish products could serve as a guide.
The study suggests that the recovery of some severely depleted fish populations may not be as swift as previously predicted, attributing this to both overfishing and environmental degradation. Surprisingly, the study reveals that recommendations for fishing limits and stock assessments often overestimate the fish population size and the speed of a stock's recovery, leading to exaggerated advice.
