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Sustainable Fisheries: Going Green in the Ocean

11 July, 2011 12:25:00 Kacey Schneider

Living next to the ocean, we often take fresh fish for granted. Almost all fish is available here, and the freshness factor is off the charts. Rarely though do we stop to question where the fish on our plate actually came from and if it will always be so readily accessible. These are serious thoughts to consider and take action in answering if we want to make sure that fresh plate of seafood is always an option on the menu. Sustainable fisheries are one of the most achievable and practical answers to these questions. Sustainable fisheries are fisheries that provide fish and other aquatic necessities for consumption while being ecologically friendly, economically viable, and socially responsible to future generations. Sustainable fisheries work by combining two basic concepts: understanding the basic dynamics of a normal fishery’s population patterns (growth, decline, and the factors that affect each) and keeping those patterns under control and exponentially growing to not only provide fish for people now but to also provide for the future. This is often achieved by avoiding overfishing, setting up protected areas and laws to safeguard the fish populations, and controlling external factors that are deemed potentially harmful to the aquatic life. Costa Rica is famous for its fresh fish and delicious seafood. However, it’s also famous for its aquatic biodiversity. In order to protect both of these assets, certain measures need to be taken, and, luckily, Costa Rica is taking those measures. For the months of May and June, as well as October, fishing in the Gulf of Nicoya is prohibited. This “veda,” or ban, is a direct response to fears of overexploitation of marine life in the area as well as a pro-active attempt to increase sustainable reproduction of the fish populations. Specifically, the ban will prevent semi-industrial shrimp boats within a zone that goes Punta Torres to Peñón, Isla Negritos, Punta Cuchillo and the Tempisque River. Closed net sardine fishing is allowed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays within a protected zone, and crabbing is permitted. Artisan fishermen are fisherman known for their low impact fishing, and they will be permitted to fish with lines, but they must follow strict guidelines regarding length and the number of hooks used. They are prohibited from using nets. President Laura Chinchilla also recently expanded a marine protected area surrounding Cocos Island National Park, ultimately safeguarding a total of one million hectares rich with endangered sharks and sea turtles. This act will not only provide hope for the endangered scalloped hammerheads and leatherback turtles, but it will also provide limits in regards to fishing in the area. President Chinchilla stated, “"We want to establish the legal foundations for the fishing in this zone, so that the fishermen extract with intelligence only fish of a suitable age and weight using technologies that do not impact other species.” Costa Rica is a leader in environmental awareness, both on land and in the water. Establishing sustainable fisheries and protected marine areas are important elements to this and necessary steps in order to protect our oceans now to save them for future generations. Being aware of where you purchase your fish and if it comes from a sustainable fishery is a small step that can have a large impact in you helping to play a role in these goals.