Even when we know that overfishing is destroying a fishery, there s economic pressure to keep fishing at high levels. Fishers need to pay off loans for boats and expensive gear. Large processing plants need to keep fish moving out to market. The Australian tiger prawn has bounced back from overfishing. Prawns and fishers are both thriving now, thanks to rules that limit the number of fishing boats and guarantee each boat a share of the catch.
Citizens have to let lawmakers know that they want fish protected for the future.
Lawmakers, scientists and fishers must work together so that both fish and fishers have a future. Let fish sellers and lawmakers know that you support sustainable fisheries. Join a conservation organization working for new laws to protect fish for the future.