Should fishermen be trained on sustainable fishing methods?

In the past, fishermen like fresh tuna suppliers and swordfish suppliers have been known to use destructive fishing methods that have led to the depletion of fish populations, such as the best reef fish. These methods include using large nets that can trap and kill dolphins, turtles, and other marine life; using cyanide to stun fish before capture; and employing bottom trawling which can damage coral reefs. As a result, many organizations are now calling for fishermen to be trained in sustainable fishing methods.

There are a few reasons why this is important.

·       First, it will help to preserve fish populations and protect marine life.

·       Second, it will ensure that fishermen can continue to make a living in the long-term.

·       Third, it will help to create a more sustainable food system overall.

There are definitely pros and cons to this argument. On one hand, requiring fisherman to receive training on sustainable methods could lead to less destruction of fish populations and ecosystems. However, some people might argue that this type of training would be costly and time-consuming.

Whatever the arguments are, however, the reality is that our ocean resources are dwindling and something needs to be done in order to ensure their longevity. Perhaps requiring training on sustainable fishing methods is one way to help achieve this goal.

Some sustainable fishing methods that fishermen could be trained on include:

·       Using handlines or pole and line instead of nets.

·       Using traps instead of trawls.

·       Avoiding areas where protected species are known to live.

These methods will prevent overfishing, bycatch and other negative impacts on the marine environment. In addition, they will help to ensure that future generations will be able to enjoy the same abundance and variety of seafood that we do today.

If we want to save our marine life, we need to start with the people who are directly impacting it; the fishermen. By training them on sustainable fishing methods, we can help to preserve our oceans for future generations.