Aquatic food production systems
Consequences of Increased Demand for Seafood
- Overfishing: Depletion of fish stocks, threatening ecosystem balance.
- Bycatch: Accidental capture of non-target species (e.g., dolphins, sea turtles).
- Ecosystem Disruption: Removal of keystone species destabilizes food webs.
- Economic Pressure: Increased competition for dwindling resources affects the livelihoods of fishing communities.
Increased demand for seafood has caused overexploitation of certain species.
Consequences of Overexploitation
- Biodiversity Loss: Decline in species populations and genetic diversity.
- Trophic Cascades: Imbalances in food webs, such as increased populations of prey species when predators are overfished.
- Economic Impact: Collapse of fisheries, reducing food security and income for millions.
- Habitat Destruction: Trawling and other unsustainable practices damage seabeds and coral reefs.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
Unsustainable exploitation of freshwater and marine ecosystems and organisms can be mitigated through policy legislation addressing the fishing industry and changes in consumer behaviour. One such action can be the establishment of Marine Protected Areas. They are the regions of oceans or coasts designated for protection to conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable use.
Benefits:
- Replenishes fish stocks by providing safe breeding grounds.
- Protects vulnerable species and habitats.
- Enhances resilience of marine ecosystems to climate change.
Aquaculture
Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms like fish, molluscs and aquatic plants. It has been increasing to meet the increased need for food and has supported economic growth, but it is associated with negative environmental impacts.
Advantages:
- Reduces pressure on wild fish stocks.
- Provides a consistent food supply.
Challenges:
- Pollution from waste and chemicals.
- Escaped farmed species may outcompete wild populations.
- Escape farmed species can spread diseases
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)
United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is a treaty establishing rules for maritime rights and responsibilities. According to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), coastal states have an exclusive economic zone stretching 370 km out to sea, within which the state’s government can regulate fishing. Almost 60% of the ocean is the high seas outside these coastal zones, with limited intergovernmental regulation.
Key Provisions:
- Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs): Coastal nations have rights to resources within 200 nautical miles of their shores.
- Sustainable Fishing: Requires nations to prevent overfishing and protect marine biodiversity.
- Dispute Resolution: Provides mechanisms for resolving conflicts over marine resources.
Contrasting perspectives on harvesting/hunting certain species
The hunting of whales has been a long ongoing debate.
- Pro-Hunting:
- Cultural and Economic Reasons: Indigenous communities rely on whales for food and tradition.
- Controlled Hunting: Some argue for sustainable quotas to balance conservation and cultural needs.
- Anti-Hunting:
- Ethical Concerns: Killing sentient animals is viewed as inhumane.
- Biodiversity Impact: Hunting may threaten whale populations and disrupt marine ecosystems.
The International Whaling Commission bans commercial whaling, but some countries (e.g., Japan, and Norway) allow limited hunting under cultural or scientific pretences.
