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Thursday 7 June 2018

Our Seas: Fishing methods, sustainability, technology and management.


Part 1.  Over the past 50 years technological advances have led to dramatic changes in our fishing industry. Fishing boats can now travel further from port, stay at sea for longer, and can locate fishing grounds to pinpoint fish more accurately. They also harvest fish far more efficiently. All fishing activities have an environmental impact. However, the extent varies dramatically between boats, areas and types of fishing methods used.



Part 2.  As human population grows and demand for seafood rises, it is vital that fisheries are properly managed enabling them to provide sustainable food sources without depleting fish stocks or harming marine ecosystems. A successful fishery aims to catch the largest number of fish that still allows fish stocks to rapidly rejuvenate. This film explores factors considered by management and scientists when setting fishing legislation and why a thorough understanding of fish biology is vital to ensure that fish populations remain stable over time.



Part 3 .  Increased global population and consumer demand for seafood products have led to technological advances such as sonar and refrigeration, which allow fishing vessels to remain at sea for longer and catch more fish. Over time, the number of over-fished stocks, has increased, meaning that managing these resources sustainably has become more critical than ever. This film explores modifications to fishing equipment and legislation to minimise adverse impacts on fish populations, collateral damage to marine habitats, and by-catching. It also explores the future significance of fish farming and aquaculture in meeting increasing consumer demand whilst ensuring a sustainable future for fish stocks.




Part 4 of 4.  This film explores the ways in which marine habitats and marine life are managed and protected from threats such as overfishing and habitat degradation. It also explains how the introduction of marine protected areas around the British Isles protects marine life and habitats by regulating and restricting human activity in these areas.

These films were produced by Nina Constable Media and funded by Garfield Weston Foundation, The Headley Trust, Seafish, Daylesford Foundation, The Tanner Trust.