Posted by seahunt on November 29, 2000 at 16:04:21:
In Reply to: Where Did All The Fish Go ? posted by JIm Hoffmann on November 29, 2000 at 13:10:01:
Actually, there are a number of factors that have effected fish stocks,
but the biggest effect is undoubtedly the commercial fishers. The sport
take is rather insignificant compared to the commercial take. One
development that has really hurt, is the development of a market for
live fish, especially for Asian restraunts. This fishery has targeted
Sheepsheads, bass and rockfish from the kelpbeds and takes an incredible
amount of fish.
Sport fishers do have an impact, but it is very small compared to the
commercial fishers and sport diver take is insignificant. There are things
that the commercial fishers do to avoid pointing this out, but they are
quite simply raping the sea. There is no concept of sustained take and
their fishing methods tend to be quite wasteful. Their practices must be
considered neolithic hunting behavior. There is no Off Switch. It is
quite unfortunate.
Enjoy, seahunt