Global fish populations closer to collapse than previously thought. - 29 Nov 2010  
email to friend  轉寄好友    列印

New research published in the journal “Nature” by a team of international scientists has shown that a widely-used indicator of marine biodiversity called trophic level may have over-estimated fish populations.

With nearly half of the ecosystems evaluated for this study found to be in poorer health than previously thought, lead author Professor Trevor Branch of the University of Washington in the USA explained that trophic level calculations incorrectly assume that human fishing practices start with the largest species.

However, as seen in places like the Gulf of Thailand, where smaller species have been fished extensively,this is not true.

There, the average trophic level is rising, which in principle means an improving ecosystem, but in fact all types of marine life have decreased by tenfold since the 1950s due to overfishing.

Commenting on the report’s findings, US National Science Foundation biologist Dr. Henry Gholz said, "This study makes clear that the most common indicator, average catch trophic level, is a woefully inadequate measure of the status of marine fisheries."

Our appreciation Dr. Branch, Dr. Gholz and the international team of scientists for this updated alert on the actual predicament of many marine ecosystems.

May we swiftly choose more considerate lifestyles to save the inhabitants of both land and sea.
During an interview published in the December 16, 2009 edition of The Irish Dog Journal, Supreme Master Ching Hai addressed the alarming depletion of the oceans and the need to restore their balance.

By the way, fishing is also horrendously wasteful and murderous. A major study predicts that all fished animals will be 90% gone by 2050 due to overfishing and over-wasting bycatch.

It means those fish and other marine lives that they don’t need, but while catching other fish, they kill them as well, by the billions. Moreover, it is such an alarming picture when we think about the billions of animals killed each year for so-called food. Fifty-five billion, which is not even counting fish and other species!

How can our planet and our conscience support such unsustainable, damaging, and criminal practice? Individuals must turn to the planet-saving, organic vegan lifestyle, because the dangers are mounting and time is urgent. If every one of us would only switch now, we would ensure a future for our children and generations to come.
http://www.france24.com/en/20101117-global-fish-stocks-may-be-lower-thought-study
http://www.nature.com/news/2010/101117/full/news.2010.619.html
http://in.reuters.com/article/idINIndia-52980620101117
http://content.usatoday.com/communities/sciencefair/post/2010/11/widely-used-measure-of-ocean-health-
flawed/1