Fishermen very often get called the culprit. Thinking responsibly has become a matter of economic survival. It is often environmental extremists who first bring issues to the public eye, choosing dramatic and sometimes exaggerated facts to illuminate their point. It is then the responsibility of regulators to act on the issues, but in an ideal situation, it's the scientists who ultimately provide the facts to inform regulatory decisions. What makes the problem particularly difficult is that with marine animals, it's a big ocean.
Facts can be hard to find, and every bit of help counts.
Scientists are finding it helpful to rely on fishermen to help collect facts. Molly Lutcavage, a researcher at the New England Aquarium, conducts her population biology studies of bluefin tuna in New England waters using fish-tagging techniques developed by commercial fishermen. These pilots volunteer their time to help conduct aerial surveys. Because of their professional experience, fishermen can be requisite partners in finding solutions to some of the most pressing marine environmental issues. For additional information, you might want to check out the following websites.