Monday, January 5, 2009

How to know when a fish species is doomed

If it has these 2 qualities:

1. The fish is slow growing

2. The fish tastes really good to people

1 + 2 = 3. The fish will command a high price.

Read about a recent transaction here.

Read about the demise of the bluefin tuna here.

2 comments:

Custodian said...

The supporting articles go to show that once buyyers are willing to pay over USD $100,00.00 for a fish (230+ lbs), fisheries are endangered entities. Simple. We have now arrived at the peak of disrespect for nature and our source of well being. We believe that money can buy anything ( i almost believe that) and once thats the case its the right thing to do. Soon we will have lots of money and nothing to buy with it.

Economics and governance of fisheries need to consider tougher measures to ensure species are not exploited - for money or for food - but sustainably protected for decades to come. This is a problem that needs a global solution, but with avid and committed regional and national support.

Dr. Peter Schuhmann said...

Hey Antonio.

I really hope that this is indeed the peak! But somehow I doubt it. As we've noticed over the last few months, environmental concerns tend to take a back seat to financial matters in times of economic crisis.

With all the talk about economic stimulus, it will be interesting to see how much attention is paid to "green" investment and "green jobs". This is the subject of an interesting debate right now between policy makers, natural scientists and economists. I'll write more about it soon.

We are in agreement about the fisheries problem. To your call for global, regional and national support, I would add that local action is paramount.