14 DAY TRIAL // The online journal PloS ONE just published a new study which focuses on present days global fisheries and on what can be done to help boost their economic value, while at the same time keeping an all-attentive eye on the well-being of marine ecosystems.
Apparently, high officials around the world tend to invoke lack of funds as an excuse for not rebuilding fisheries, in spite of all the ecological and environmental aspects which should compel them to do just so.
The good news is that, according to this new research carried out by scientists working with the University of British Columbia, choosing to rebuild global fisheries is quite likely to increase their market value fivefold, sooner than one might expect.
Thus, they estimate that, should governments invest an average of $203 billion (about €166 billion) in a rebuilding program, it would only take about 12 years before the financial benefits surpass the initial cost.
UBC reports that Rashid Sumaila, who specializes in the economic aspects of the fishing industries worldwide, explained how, “Global fisheries are not living up to their economic potential in part because governments keep them afloat by subsidizing unprofitable large scale fishing fleets with taxpayer money.”
In a rather blunt manner, he further goes on to make a case about how, “This is like sinking money into a series of small, cosmetic fixes in an old home, rather than investing in a complete, well thought-out renovation that boosts the home's values.”
Therefore, better regulating fishing activities in various regions of our seas and oceans will only help both this industry and the environment.
Seeing how fish play a very important part in supporting human society, and also taking into account the fact that they are part and parcel of all marine ecosystems, it is our belief that said investments in safeguarding their population should indeed be given due consideration.