Fisheries By: Maria Feliciano

Fish Food In 1997 the average amount of fish consumed by Americans was 14.7 pounds. Fish are an important source of healthy fats and acids. Unfortunately fish can also contain unsafe levels of pesticides and mercury.

So... what is a fishery? A fishery is a place where fish can be raised or caught to be eaten. Fisheries can be found around the world inland, or seaward. Fisheries found inland are more often man-made.

What’s the harm? Fisheries are no-doubt important to us, but as demand for fish grows we begin to deplete our supplies. Sustainable Yield is the number of fish that can be taken without hurting the species. Unbalanced sustainable yields aren’t the only threat to marine life. Dangerous fishing techniques can also threaten fish populations.

What are some fishing techniques? The most common technique use for fishing in fisheries is using nets. Other methods that have now been banned included; using nets with holes too small for young fish to escape from, poisoning the water with Cyanide, and blowing up dynamite to disorient the fish.

What is Aquaculture? Aquaculture is the act of breeding and raising fish in man-made environments. Because the fish are raised in man-made environments, under controlled conditions they don’t harm fish populations in the ocean.

If Aquaculture is a good alternative to fisheries why is it still harmful? Aquaculture is a good alternative to ocean fisheries, however to build one you need space and they are often built in marshes or swampy areas forcing other animals out.

Resources, resources Today up to 9,000 different species of fish are harvested for food. Scientists and chefs are working together now introduce new species into our diets,