Sustainable Fishing

Fishing Industry or Fisheries

The fishing industry, also known as fisheries, refers to the activities involved in the establishment, development, and exploitation of fish resources in various water bodies, both natural and man-made. Despite East Africa having abundant water bodies and a long coastline, the fishing industry there is not as developed as in temperate regions such as Norway, Japan, Canada, and Russia.

Conditions Favoring the Development of the Fishing Industry

1. Cool Climate: Fish breeding is more successful in cool water with temperatures lower than 20°C. This is more common in temperate seas where species like salmon, cod, and mackerel thrive.
2. Availability of Planktons: Planktons are crucial for fish as they serve as food. Areas with cool, shallow waters and plenty of mineral salts provide an environment where planktons can flourish.
3. Ideal Coastal Geography: Indented coastlines with sheltered harbors provide ideal locations for fishing ports. Great fishing ports are often located along such coastlines.

Types of Fish

Fish are categorized into three main groups:

1. Saltwater Fish: These species live in seas, oceans, and salty lakes. They include pelagic species like herring, mackerel, and sardines, and demersal species like cod, tuna, and haddock.
2. Freshwater Fish: These species live in lakes and rivers, such as those found in East Africa (e.g., Lake Victoria, Lake Tanganyika). These are not as commercially important as saltwater fish.
3. Anadromous Fish: These fish spawn in freshwater rivers but spend their lives in saltwater before returning to rivers to spawn, such as salmon.

Fishing Methods

Various methods are employed to catch fish, including:

1. Drifting: A method using drift nets that catch fish by their gills as they swim through the mesh.
2. Trawling: Involves dragging a trawl net to catch fish from the sea floor.
3. Seining: Uses haul and purse seines to surround schools of fish. This method can be used from small boats or from the shore.
4. Lining: Involves fishing with lines fitted with hooks, especially for large fish like tuna.
5. Whaling: Involves using harpoons to catch whales, commonly in countries like Japan.
6. Traditional Methods: These include the use of spears, fish baskets, and scoop nets, though these methods are becoming less common.

Fishing in Norway and Japan

Fishing in Norway

Norway is a leading country in fishing, especially in the North Sea. Factors contributing to its fishing industry development include:

1. The continental shelf providing shallow waters rich in planktons.
2. A long indented coastline that offers sheltered fishing grounds.
3. The North Atlantic Drift, which brings warm water and planktons to the coast.
4. Advanced fishing methods like trawling and drift-netting, as well as the use of refrigerated cargo vessels for transporting fish globally.

Fishing in Japan

Japan is one of the top three fishing nations globally. Key factors contributing to the development of its fishing industry are:

1. The broad continental shelf and the Kuroshio and Oyashio currents that provide an ideal environment for plankton growth.
2. A long tradition of sea faring and expertise in offshore fishing.
3. A strong domestic market for fish, along with advanced industrial and technological developments in fishing.

Limitations of the Fishing Industry in Japan

1. Overfishing due to reliance on fish as a primary resource, which has led to the depletion of certain fish species.
2. Land reclamation and water pollution, especially mercury contamination, have negatively impacted fish populations.
3. International restrictions on fishing grounds have limited Japan's fishing operations.

Importance of Fishing Industry in Norway and Japan

1. Employment: The fishing industry provides jobs, especially since land and mineral resources are limited.
2. Oil Manufacturing: Fish are used in the production of oil and other products.
3. Shipbuilding: The demand for fishing vessels has stimulated the growth of shipbuilding industries.

Problems Facing the Fishing Industry in Norway and Japan

1. Overfishing: Over-reliance on fish resources has led to a decrease in fish populations.
2. Introduction of New Species: Introducing non-native species has sometimes resulted in difficulties adapting them to local conditions.
3. Water Pollution: Pollution from chemicals like mercury has harmed fish habitats.
4. Poaching: Illegal fishing activities have further threatened fish populations.

Fishing in Canada

1. Location and Main Fish Species: Canada's fishing industry is significant, with fish such as salmon, cod, lobsters, herring, haddock, and scallops being the chief catches. The fishing grounds are located in the eastern part of Canada (Atlantic Ocean) and the western part (Pacific Ocean). The fish from Canada are largely exported due to a small domestic market, especially to the USA and Europe.
2. Success Factors: The success of Canada's fishing industry is attributed to advanced technology, a large variety of fish species, and the availability of a ready market, particularly in the USA. The country's harsh northern climate also drives people to fish for sustenance, and the convergence of warm and cold ocean currents in the east provides an environment for abundant fish life.
3. Challenges: The fishing industry faces overfishing, diseases affecting fish populations, water pollution, and a small internal market due to Canada's relatively small population.

Fishing in Russia

1. Expansion of the Industry: Russia has expanded its fishing sector significantly, especially in the Pacific. The country has successfully excluded foreign fleets, like Japan, from its fishing grounds.
2. Main Fish Species: The catch is dominated by salmon, but also includes pollack, tuna, sardines, cod, and mackerel. Russia is particularly known for its whaling activities, being the leading whaling nation.
3. Success Factors: The government's commitment to increasing fish output, the cool waters which support many fish species, and technology have all contributed to the industry's growth. Russia also benefits from a ready market for fish, both domestically and internationally, and restrictions on foreign competition.

Fishing in East Africa

1. Challenges: The fishing industry in East Africa faces numerous challenges such as poor fishing methods (e.g., hand lines and baskets), lack of capital, insufficient cooperation among fishermen, and environmental factors like high salinity and water temperature that affect fish reproduction. Additionally, the competition from other countries makes it hard for East African nations to develop their fishing industry.
2. Solutions: East Africa has attempted to solve these challenges by improving storage and processing methods, encouraging fishermen to form cooperatives for collective support, and investing in fish farming (aquaculture) to reduce the reliance on natural fish stocks. Training programs for fisheries officers and the use of media for education have also been emphasized.

Fish Farming in East Africa

1. Fish Farming Practice: Fish farming is common in Kenya, with thousands of fish ponds in operation. Fish farming helps address the problem of overfishing in larger water bodies, provides a constant supply of fish, and makes use of idle land.
2. Advantages: Fish farming is beneficial for providing steady fish supplies, improving the quality of the catch, reducing overfishing, and generating income. The fish farmed in controlled environments are typically of better quality and size.

General Importance of the Fishing Industry

Fishing is important because it provides protein-rich food, generates foreign currency through exports, supports industries, contributes to national income, and creates employment opportunities. It also promotes the development of tourism, especially when sport fishing is involved.

General Problems Facing the Fishing Industry

The fishing industry globally faces overfishing due to the increasing demand for fish and indiscriminate fishing practices. Pollution of water bodies from industrial waste and poor fishing methods (especially in developing countries) contribute to low fish stocks and diminished catch rates.

Poor infrastructure, such as inadequate transport, storage, and processing facilities, hampers the growth of the fishing industry, particularly in developing countries.

Management and Conservation Measures

To address these challenges, sustainable fishing practices should be promoted, such as restocking overfished waters, avoiding fishing immature fish, and encouraging fish farming. Monitoring and controlling pollution and educating fishermen on better fishing practices are crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fishing industry.