Would Our Fish Disappear? - Overfishing in Trinidad and Tobago

What is overfishing?

Overfishing refers to the depletion of fish stocks faster than they can be replenished. Overfishing has become rampant in Trinidad and Tobago with a recent video circulating social media of fishermen in Mayaro pulling up scores of fish in a net. Not all fishing is bad, especially since fish makes up the main component of our Caribbean diet but the method of fishing is what can cause an issue. Bycatch is one of the main causative factors affecting overfishing. Bycatch refers to the unwanted fish caught while fishing, typically during net fishing.

Figure 1: Showing a huge haul of fish from the East Coast of Trinidad (TikTok 2021)

Why is this bad?

From the information above, we can see that net fishing can cause overfishing. Nets have holes that allow fish that are small enough, to free themselves through the holes while keeping the bigger, mature fish in the net. The problem with this arises when the nets being used have very small holes. This prevents juvenile fish and smaller fish species from escaping. When the nets are pulled in the fish that are considered undesirable due to their size are generally thrown away or possibly used as bait in other fishing ventures. When the juvenile and mature fish from a particular area are captured, it leaves no fish to reproduce and continue growing the population. Sadly, fish are not the only marine life affected. Sharks, turtles, and dolphins also fall prey to net fishing and diminish their population for no good reason. This habit can lead to the destabilization of Food Security in Trinidad and Tobago. Although we are islands, fish scarcity can become a problem in the near future if overfishing is not addressed. For example, the once infamous flying fish in Tobago is now rarely seen due to high demand and overfishing in the early 2000s.

Figure 2: Showing a turtle tangled in a fishing net in Trinidad (Widecast 2019)

What are some solutions to this problem?

There are many solutions one can employ to avoid contributing to the overfishing crisis.

Firstly, use traditional fishing methods, such as hook and line (particularly for fishermen who are only targeting specific species of fish). This will work to alleviate the issue of bycatch since unwanted fish can be returned to the water with only minor injuries which they can recover from quickly.

Figure 3: Showing fish caught by rod (Trini Tuner 2021)

Secondly, when employing net fishing, use nets with appropriately sized holes to allow small fish to escape therefore reducing overfishing. Nets also should not be left out in the water for extensive periods of time. This is essential since unwanted fish can be returned to the water before they are harmed.

Thirdly, implementation of legislation that only permits fish of a certain size to be caught. This law has been implemented around the world and has aided in the rejuvenation of many fish populations. This law will ensure that only mature fish are caught and could possibly applied to protect them during their breeding season. 

Figure 4: showing a fish being measured (Master Angler 2021)

Always remember that our goal is to be SUSTAINABLE. That can be achieved by fishing responsibly. Only take what you need.

 

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