The threat of overfishing

THE status of global fisheries is on the decline, spearheaded by a continuous drive in demand from consumers in a quest to satisfy their taste buds with succulent seafood.

In Sabah – this fact is evident – with seafood restaurants dotted along waterfronts in districts- Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan and Semporna – well known for their seafood.

Overfishing is, as argued by many marine ecologists, one of the biggest threats to the marine ecosystems today.

It refers to the over extraction of fish stocks from our oceans, normally done with little regard to its effect on the ecology of these oceans.

In a vicious cycle, overfishing leads to a decrease in catch by the very industry that strives to provide seafood to consumers in the first place.

Based on extensive studies, researchers from the Fisheries Centre at the University of British Columbia (Vancouver) recently set US$240bil as the global value of catch from the fisheries industry’s, an impressive figure that was attached with a warning highlighting that government subsidies actually encourage overfishing.

In Malaysia, where there is more sea than land, the total fish production in the year 2007 was 1.65 million tonnes (Department of Fisheries 2007 annual fisheries statistics), generating a total revenue for the industry amounting to RM5.8bil.

The continuing growth in revenue, however, was at the expense of depleting fisheries resources.

Malaysian Nature Society and WWF Malaysia recently released a guide to responsible seafood consumption, with accompanying website reports stating that fish stocks in Malaysia have declined by as much as 90% since the 1970s - including Sabah.

Long term solutions to ensure fishing is done in a sustainable way, needs to be put in place to make sure everyone benefits from those within the fishing industry whose very livelihood depends on it, as well as consumers who wish to enjoy the flavour of seafood on their dining tables for years to come and seekers of popularly sought-out products derived from resources of the sea, such as ‘miracle producing’ omega 3 fish oil supplements.

These include increasing the number of protected areas, establishing and enforcing tighter regulations and advocating changes in consumer demand.

Conservationists continue to lobby support to save these vulnerable ecosystems by promoting sustainable development which ultimately, does not just save wildlife but looks after the long term needs of fellow Malaysians.

The Department of Fisheries Sabah, listed fished marine species exports, worked alongside other partners (TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, and WWF Malaysia) to assess the sustainability of the endangered humphead wrasse or mameng.

Scientific studies were conducted in fishing grounds to gain information needed to allow management decisions on an appropriate quota on exports.

Key commercial fisheries players have worked hand in hand with Government agencies and NGOs to outline existing fishing zones and identify important areas for fishing in Kudat. Efforts have been made to identify possible zoning areas for fishing around the marine protected area of Tun Mustapha Park. The proposed protected area in the northern most tip of Sabah, covers approximately 1.03 million-ha of land and sea.

While enjoying the benefits of wealth gained from the oceans, everyone must take heed to what has happened to fisheries in other parts of the world.

One example is the devastating collapse of cod fishing industry in 1992 in Canada which caused the loss of jobs in the industry for over 40,000 people.

The public needs to adopt a healthy understanding of the capacity of our oceans, to ensure its survival and ability to sustain long-term and continuous returns.

Incorporating goals for sustainable fisheries in the development and management strategies is a first step towards ensuring the sustainability of seafood.

The commercial fishing industry in the proposed Tun Mustapha Park is taking these steps towards fisheries sustainability in the upcoming fisheries workshop from Sept 23- 24 in Kudat.