What does overfishing mean for the ocean? (Secondary) - Lesson One
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La durée de la leçon est: 45 minIntroduction
Lesson 1 – What does overfishing mean?
This lesson explains what is meant by overfishing and sustainable fishing.
Learning activities:
Research the current extent of overfishing and discuss a case study.
Instructions
Time: 45 minutes
Contact: education@seashepherdglobal.org
© Sea Shepherd 2022
Éléments de cette leçon
Slide 1 - Diapositive
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.
Slide 2 - Diapositive
During the lesson we will use these icons to identify the learning actions.
What is meant by overfishing?
Slide 3 - Question ouverte
Ask students: “What is meant by the term ‘overfishing’?
Slide 4 - Diapositive
Overfishing – is the depletion of fish numbers by excessive fishing.
Overfished populations - depleted numbers of fish (in a specific area) by excessive fishing, ultimately leading to the collapse of fisheries.
Overfished populations - depleted numbers of fish (in a specific area) by excessive fishing, ultimately leading to the collapse of fisheries.
Slide 5 - Diapositive
There are two ways to view the term sustainable.
From a conservation perspective organisations like Sea Shepherd look to see that all marine species have healthy thriving populations, that keep ecosystems in balance, like coral reefs. This means the species is genetically strong and has sufficient numbers to withstand other threats, such as climate change impacts on the ocean or plastic pollution.
From a conservation perspective organisations like Sea Shepherd look to see that all marine species have healthy thriving populations, that keep ecosystems in balance, like coral reefs. This means the species is genetically strong and has sufficient numbers to withstand other threats, such as climate change impacts on the ocean or plastic pollution.
Slide 6 - Diapositive
Commercial fishing has a different perspective. They are focused on sustainable fisheries management.
Sustainability in this context means that it supplies the need for food for human consumption, now and in the future. So as long as there is enough fish left to grow and breed, they claim it is ok to catch the same amount of fish again the following year as it is deemed to be sustainable. In this interpretation “Sustainable” means maintaining the current level.
Overfishing in this context is fishing that depletes a population to a level that reduces its population, ultimately leading to the collapse of fisheries.
Overfishing in this context is fishing that depletes a population to a level that reduces its population, ultimately leading to the collapse of fisheries.
Slide 7 - Diapositive
This slide shows how much of the ocean has already been overfished.
The United Nations believes two-thirds of the world’s fisheries are fully exploited and 26% are over-exploited, which means that only around 10% of our planet's fisheries are healthy.
The United Nations believes two-thirds of the world’s fisheries are fully exploited and 26% are over-exploited, which means that only around 10% of our planet's fisheries are healthy.
Slide 8 - Diapositive
Increasing number of fisheries are declining. One example is the herring fishing industry in Canada.
We will use a Sea Shepherd’s campaign Operation Backbone, highlighting the issue of declining herring numbers. The aim of the campaign was to protect the last herring in the Salish Sea, on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.
Department of Fisheries data in 2019 showed a 60% decline in herring numbers since 2016.
Herring were predicted to be approximately 122,291 tonnes in 2019, but only 85,700 tonnes actually returned. Despite declining numbers, a commercial herring fishery was allowed to continue. The fishery not only targets herring, but also herring roe.
Herring are part of the local food chain, that supports local species, including Chinook Salmon and Southern Resident Killer Whales.
We will use a Sea Shepherd’s campaign Operation Backbone, highlighting the issue of declining herring numbers. The aim of the campaign was to protect the last herring in the Salish Sea, on the west coast of British Columbia, Canada.
Department of Fisheries data in 2019 showed a 60% decline in herring numbers since 2016.
Herring were predicted to be approximately 122,291 tonnes in 2019, but only 85,700 tonnes actually returned. Despite declining numbers, a commercial herring fishery was allowed to continue. The fishery not only targets herring, but also herring roe.
Herring are part of the local food chain, that supports local species, including Chinook Salmon and Southern Resident Killer Whales.
Slide 9 - Vidéo
Example of overfishing – herring industry in Canada.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nztNeDLyhDI
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nztNeDLyhDI
Slide 10 - Diapositive
Cet élément n'a pas d'instructions
Slide 11 - Diapositive
Refer Teachers Guide for Learning Activities.
