Our Backyard Waterways : Sustainability of the Fishing Industry

Fishing for the Future Through a fishing simulation, students model several consecutive seasons of a commercial fishery and explore how technology, population growth, and sustainable practices impact fish catch and fisheries management.

Background “Tragedy of the Commons” –C–Coined by Garrett Hardin 1968 –D–Describes how ranchers used the land –T–There is no direct cost to using the land, so individual ranchers were motivated to add to their herds to increase their wealth. –S–Since each individual animal damaged the land a small amount, the addition of multiple animals adds up and eventually destroys the common land.

From 1950 to 1990, there was a fivefold increase in the world annual fish catch. An increasing demand for fish coupled with environmentally damaging fishing practices are leading to another tragedy of the commons. Roughly 70% of the planet’s marine stock are fully or over exploited. (According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch)

Fishing for the Future What is sustainability? –S–Sustainability is meeting the needs of the present without limiting the ability of people, other species, and future generations to survive. Why is this an important goal for society? What might be difficult about this goal?

Today you are taking on the role of a “fisher” whose livelihood depends on catching fish. Peanut M&M’s represent the largest and most valuable fish! (Tuna, Swordfish…) Plain M&M’s represent the next most valuable fish. (Cod, Salmon…) Each fisher must catch at least TWO fish in each round to survive. Fishing for the Future RULES

This is your first year fishing, so you are less experienced and have little money for expensive equipment. You will only be allowed to fish with a fishing rod (STRAW) this year. You must hold your hands together behind your back and suck up the “fish” from the “ocean” (BOWL) and deposit them in your “boat” (CUP) Fishing for the Future SEASON 1 20 seconds

This next season you invested in some new technology with the money you earned last season. You have purchased trawling equipment for your boat. (FORK) Fishing for the Future SEASON 2 What happened when one fishing crew ran out of fish? How are they going to survive?

SEASON 4 SEASON 5 SEASON 6 Fishing for the Future SEASON 3: You have proven your skill as a fisherman! This year you can afford more new technology. (SPOON)

“In the end, our society will be defined not only by what we create, but by what we refuse to destroy.” John C. Sawhill Former President of The Nature Conservancy

How did you feel when you realized that you had depleted your fish stock? How did you feel when other fishers joined your ocean group? How does this activity relate to real ocean and fishery issues? How could we make this game more similar to the threats in a real ocean environment?

What happens to a resource when you have infinite population growth, growing technology, and a finite resource? Are there any commonly owned resources in our region or community? What are some similar issues around them, and how can they best be managed? What are some sustainable fishing methods?

Read “Fishing for the Future: Fishery Facts” Read essay “The Tragedy of the Commons” Repeat the activity with sustainable methods Research local fishery methods Develop a sustainable fishing method for Blue Crabs or Oysters Research fish farm practices Visit a fish hatchery: –H–Harrison Lake Hatchery (Charles City County) Fishing for the Future EXTENSIONS

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