IUU and the law (Secondary) - Lesson Two

• Social Studies
• History
• +3
• 7th,8th Grade

Introduction

Lesson Two – How does IUU impact the ecosystem? This lesson covers: how IUU fishing activity impacts species, food chains and ecosystems. Learning activities:  Discussion and research on the impacts to species and the food chain of IUU fishing activity.

Instructions

Time: 45 minutes

Contact: [e-mail]
© Sea Shepherd 2022

Lesson 2 - How does IUU impact the ecosystem?

This lesson is provided by Sea Shepherd.  Sea Shepherd was founded in 1977 and is a marine conservation organisation working to protect the oceans and marine wildlife.  Sea Shepherd works globally on a range of issues impacting the oceans, running numerous direct action campaigns each year. 

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What are the impacts of IUU and
by-catch on the ecosystem?

Ask students “What do you think are some of the impacts of IUU and by-catch on the ecosystem?”

Illegal Fishing

Illegal fishing means that the fishermen enter the territorial waters of a country or regulated marine zone without permission or without a license for the fish they intend to catch.

They are stealing from these waters.

IMPACTS ON SPECIES

Sharks - Over 100 million killed each year.

143 of 400 sharks classified

as endangered

The first impact is on the species being caught as by-catch or targeted by illegal fishing.
One species intentionally targeted by illegal operations is sharks.
It is estimated over 100 million sharks are taken each year, over 50 million alone for their fins.
This has resulted in 143 of some 400 shark species now being classified as endangered.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

What are the impacts on other species?

When we start to remove a species in large numbers it will have implications for other species.
Ask students: “What do you think those impacts will be?”
Discuss the potential for impacts on species that shark’s prey on and their role in keeping the ocean clean of dying marine wildlife.

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

What are the impacts on ecosystem?

If we have reduced numbers of the apex predator in an ecosystem this allows the next level of predator to increase its numbers.
Discuss what the implications are for other species in the food chain.

What would happen if sharks stopped cleaning up the ocean?

Ask students: “What would happen if sharks stopped cleaning up the ocean of dead marine wildlife?”

Introduction to IUU fishing and the impact of overfishing.

Coral reef systems

One ecosystem that relies on sharks are coral reef systems.  By keeping other predators under control, sharks are protecting the smaller species helping to keep the reef healthy and support corals.

Critical role of sharks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvvOWwNa1aY&list=PLx1pnhQVtbbCGySc8d4Uf0mIQJ4PbdVOe

www.seashepherdglobal.org

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LEARNING ACTIVITIES

Refer Lesson Guide for activity suggestions.