Fish

by Elizabeth R. DeSombre, J. Samuel Barkin

Overview

Fishing has played a vital role in human history and culture. But today this key resource faces a serious crisis as most species are being overfished or fished to their very limit. Governments have tried to tackle the problem with limited success. Many of their actions have been counterproductive or ineffective. What will happen to global fisheries, and the populations that depend on them, as we continue to catch more fish than the oceans can reproduce?

This book explores the causes of the current crisis in the world's fisheries, and what needs to be done to address the situation. It explains the structure of the fishing industry, the incentives that persuade individuals or companies to catch fish at unsustainable levels, and illuminates the problems created by governmental efforts to use fishing policy as a tool for economic development or to win votes in domestic elections. It also looks at the role of aquaculture in either decreasing or increasing the pressure on wild fish stocks.

The dire condition of fish stocks has led governments and consumer organizations to consider new approaches to protect the global supply of fish. DeSombre and Barkin conclude by showing how such methods, along with new forms of international regulation and informed decision-making by consumers, all have an important part to play in rewarding and thus encouraging sustainable fishing behaviour in the future.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780745650203
Publisher:	Polity Press
Publication date:	06/20/2011
Series:	Resources , #6
Pages:	296
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.20(h) x 0.60(d)

About the Author

Elizabeth R. DeSombre is Frost Professor of Environmental Studies at Wellesley College.

J. Samuel Barkin is Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Florida.

Table of Contents

List of Abbreviations page vi

1 Introduction 1

2 Growth of the Global Fishing Industry 24

3 Structure of the Fishing Industry 50

4 Regulatory Efforts and Impacts 79

5 Aquaculture 114

6 Consumers and Catches 142

Notes 168

Selected Readings 174

Index 178