FisheriesFisheriesOceans 11Oceans 11

Facts and Figures about Fisheries in Nova Scotia

Source: D.F.O.

FisheriesFisheries

Unlike other natural resources such as oil and gas, fish are a renewable resource.

People in coastal regions have been using fish as a major food source for thousands of years.

Fisheries…Fisheries…

In 1997, the global fishery took 100.8 million tons of fish, crustaceans and molluscs. In 2007, the take was 90 million tons.

Fishing also employs 15 million people worldwide, but is the most dangerous job in the US (155 deaths per 100,000 fishers).

Fisheries…Fisheries…

Of the thousands of species of marine organisms in the ocean, only ~500 species are regularly caught as part of a commercial fishery.

The largest commercial harvest is of the herring and its relatives (sardines, anchovies) which comprise a fifth of the worldwide catch of marine resources caught each year.

Where are the major fisheries Where are the major fisheries around the world?around the world?

Near the coast (runoff of nutrients areas of upwelling occur here).

At high latitudes, nutrients are brought up by mixing during winter storms.

Upwelling is common on the equator, and here too upwelling brings up nutrients.

Turbulent currents around seamounts also bring up nutrients.

Areas rich in phytoplankton feed zooplankton, which feed small fish, which feed large fish.

Some important fishing areas:Some important fishing areas:

Shallow seas such as the Bering Sea. Large continental shelves such as the Grand

Banks offshore of eastern Canada. The north Atlantic from the Grand Banks to

Iceland, Scotland, and Norway. The eastern equatorial Pacific. Upwelling areas offshore of California, Peru,

Namibia, and Somalia.

Not all bad news…Not all bad news…

The Nova Scotia fishing industry (harvesting and processing) is a major source of direct and indirect employment and income, and is the province’s leading source of export earnings.

In 2006 the value of Nova Scotia’s commercial Landings was $656 694 000

What is being Caught?What is being Caught? The commercial fishery targets over 30 species.

– Shellfish is the main species group, with lobster, scallop, snow crab and shrimp the main species. In 2002, shellfish accounted for 84% of landed value.

– Groundfish continues to play a significant role (11% of landed value), though much diminished from the 1970s and 1980s, when this species group accounted for over 50% of landed value. Cod, haddock, flatfishes and hake are the leading species.

– Within the pelagic group (5% of landed value), herring, swordfish and tuna are the main species.

Major Fishing ZonesMajor Fishing Zones

Gulf of St. LawrenceGeorges BankScotian Shelf

Gulf of St. LawrerceGulf of St. Lawrerce

Very complex managementInvolves five provincesMany seasonal changes for species

Georges BankGeorges Bank

Excellent biological production

due to warm temperatures, tidal mixing and food supply.

Managed by both Canada and USA

Scotian ShelfScotian Shelf

Main fishing grounds in NSMost stocks remain very depleted and

fragile due to past overfishing.Seal populations are increasing (therefore

increasing predation).

Canada’s Ocean EstateCanada’s Ocean Estate

Canada’s ocean estate covers a surface area of approximately 7.1 million square kilometres.

This represents an area equivalent to about 70 percent of Canada's land mass.

Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)Also known as the 200 mile limitis an area of the sea extending out to 200 nautical miles

from baselines (low water line along shores). Within this zone a coastal state has sovereign and

jurisdictional rights over exploration and management (e.g. scientific research and protection of the marine environment), and economic exploitation of living and non-living resources in the waters above the seabed, in the seabed and beneath the seabed.

200-Mile Limit (in green)200-Mile Limit (in green)

Nova Scotia – Example of Nova Scotia – Example of Fishery Fishery

Lobster Season – From Digby around to

Cole Harbour– Lobster Fishing Areas

33 and 34 November 28th to May

31st

This area accounts for over 40% of Canada’s lobster catch.

Atlantic LobsterAtlantic Lobster

Lobster fishing vessels are less then 45 ft long.

Limited to 375 to 400 traps per year.

Management of Atlantic Lobster Fishery Management of Atlantic Lobster Fishery The lobster fishery is managed by effort control, which involves limits to

the number of traps and fishing days. A number of measures address conservation in the fishery. These include:

– minimum lobster carapace size of 82.5 mm (3.25 inches)– a limited number of licensed fishing vessels (985) in the lobster fishing area– seasonal openings and closures to limit catch and protect molts with soft shells– a limit of 375 or 400 traps for each licensed fishing vessel depending on the

time of year– escape mechanisms that enable undersized lobsters to exit traps– rules governing the size, design and type of trap– biodegradable components that will dismantle traps if lost at sea and therefore

prevent “ghost” fishing– a rule requiring the release and marking of all female lobsters bearing eggs

How do they catch lobster?How do they catch lobster?

Use of a trapMost dangerous time

of year for lobster trapping!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=linihCkB3rk#

http://thisfish.info/accounts/user/SteveWatkins/?gid=1

Methods of FishingMethods of Fishing

Two Methods:

Fixed gear – stationary and left to passively fish for a period of time by attracting or trapping fish

Mobile gear – towed behind a boat to actively capture fish

Which method does the lobster fishery use?

More specific types…More specific types…

GillnetsTrapsTrawling (side, stern, otter, mid-water)DraggingTongingLonglineJigging

You will learn more about these types soon!

Issue: BykillIssue: Bykill animals that are unintentionally killed

when desirable organisms are fished in many cases, bykill exceeds the target

catch thousands of dolphins were bycaught in

tuna nets until regulations changed the net design and ship maneuvers

Trawling BykillTrawling Bykill

Drift Net BykillDrift Net Bykill

Your TaskYour Task

Complete – Intro Fisheries Review Questions

Key Fisheries Vocabulary ActivityFishing Methods Study