Why do endangered fish need park protection

by Lisa Cardy

�

Is any sealife at risk of extinction

Many species of fish and other marine animals could become extinct unless they are protected by special reserves.

�

What is being done to protect endangered fish

A hundred and fifty of the world's leading marine scientists are demanding the creation of 'national fish parks' in 20% of the worlds oceans.

�

Who is making the demands and why

Professor Callum Roberts, from York University, England, says networks of marine reserves need to be set up around the globe, otherwise the future of the world's fish stocks looks bleak. Professor Callum and fellow marine scientists made their recommendations at the annual meeting of the American Association of Advancement of Science (AAAS) in San Francisco.

�

How low are fish stocks

The scientists' are mainly concerned about the effects of over fishing. Commercial fish stocks around the world are dangerously low, for example, cod numbers have plummeted to 10% of what they were before industrial fishing practices were introduced during the last century. Non commercial species are also affected as they become caught in the nets and, because it isn't possible to sell them, are thrown back, dead, into the sea.

�

How do we know protection parks will work

Scientists have spent�two years studying the minute proportion of the world's oceans that currently benefit from protection. They report startling results: population densities are over 90% higher and individual size was over 30% bigger than in unprotected areas. These results prove, for the first time, that restricting fishing does have a quick and significant benefit for fish populations.

�

How will these restrictions affect fishermen

Restricting the activities of fishermen is contentious as it has a serious impact on their livelihoods. But the scientists are keen to point out medium and long term benefits of the parks for fishermen. High catches can be achieved on the edge of marine reserves as adults move out of the safe areas on ocean currents.

�

What happens if the world's fish remain unprotected

Without protection scientists predict a wave of extinctions throughout the oceans.

�

Ask more questions about animals and nature here