| Articles by Anthony Ricigliano: For centuries fishing | | | | Those same researchers have been trying their |
| has provided food for the world's communities. As | | | | hardest to come up with workable solutions for |
| with many of the world's most precious natural | | | | this growing problem. Among the major issues |
| resources, sustainability is becoming a huge issue | | | | standing in the way of future fish populations is |
| for the fishing industry. In short, commercial | | | | the voluntary nature of the international fishing |
| companies are overfishing the world's oceans, | | | | code. Though put forth and agreed to by |
| bringing entire fish populations to the brink of | | | | members of the international community, the |
| danger. Researchers predict that if current fishing | | | | code comes with no true prohibitive backbone. |
| trends continue at their established rates, wild | | | | Countries are only asked to comply with the |
| marine species will experience a total collapse by | | | | regulations put forth, so it is not surprising that |
| the year 2050. Four short decades from now, | | | | many of them look past certain parts of the |
| countries that depend upon fishing to feed their | | | | agreement. A separate study found that no |
| populations will run into a major issue unless | | | | nation complies with more than 60% of the code, |
| something is done to slow the harvesting of wild | | | | while many nations overlook as much as 90%. |
| fish. | | | | In order to remedy this gloomy situation, a new |
| The truly alarming fact is that fishing numbers are | | | | global initiative must take place. Consequences |
| trending in the wrong direction. Each year, more | | | | must be put into place, providing ample reason for |
| and more wild fish are being harvested, often | | | | countries to abide by the rules. The preservation |
| times at the expense of long-term sustainability. | | | | of fish populations is something that remains in |
| Though this fact is certainly frightening, it is not | | | | the best interest of all nations. A cooperative |
| too late to reverse the trend. Something can be | | | | international law must be put into place, and the |
| done to restore the vitality of fish populations | | | | United Nations must oversee its enforcement. |
| through the world's most precious waters, but the | | | | Economic sanctions are swift and they act as |
| time to act has arrived. What can be done to help | | | | excellent deterrents for countries that might think |
| preserve fish populations and even help them | | | | of violating a mandatory code. Additionally, |
| grow to previous population numbers? A system | | | | changing the perception of international fishing |
| of institutional control would be a great place to | | | | laws will help to stop this debilitating global trend. |
| start. | | | | Strict limits on the number of fish that can be |
| Given the nature of international law and the fact | | | | harvested is the first step in stopping both |
| that the majority of fishing happens in open | | | | commercial and recreational exploitation. Likewise, |
| waters, there exists some regulation difficulty. A | | | | measures must be taken to stop the harvesting |
| study conducted by the University of British | | | | of fish populations that are in special danger. By |
| Columbia and the WWF found that 23 rogue | | | | taking these fish out of the equation for |
| countries were responsible for 40% of the | | | | commercial fishing companies, an entire population |
| world's catch. Those countries were, at least to | | | | might be preserved for the future. A change in |
| some extent, ignoring the important international | | | | tone and culture is necessary, as the United |
| fishing laws put forward by the United Nations. | | | | Nations must make it clear to countries that |
| Taking advantage of the lack of a regulating | | | | international over fishing is a major problem for |
| body, these countries and their fishing industries | | | | the future. If global waters are to be preserved, |
| have exploited international waters, robbing them | | | | this brave undertaking will be the first step. |
| of large fish populations. | | | | |