Fishing

Dynamite Fishing is not the best way of gathering fresh fish from the sea, this is commonly a problem for Filipino Fishermans because lack in knowledge in harvesting fish for markets and vendors. Money is the only reason why they’re doing this kind of method in fishing it also damages the natural habitat of marine life and also the health of consumers. Poor countries like the Philippines have this kind of problem since they don’t know anything only about fishing but, it is illegal to catch fish with explosives. They don’t have enough resources and equipment in catching fresh fish. They tend to do the easiest way of catching fish even though it is dangerous rather than using the safest and most efficient way. They’re doing this kind of fishing to have a plenty catch at one time and making good money at the same time.

The effect of this kind of method is not about having a good money but, also about the poisoning of the fishes and most of all the consumers who are interested and doesn’t have idea what kind of fishing method did they used to catch a certain fish. It also destroys the coral reef under the sea that is accumulated over a long period of time by soft-bodied marine animals. It can also poison marine animals because dynamites are made of sulfur and gunpowder which is bad for fishes and other living organisms under the sea. Another cause of dynamite fishing is that they don’t care much about the marine life that can be killed at any time. Because they only care about the money that they will get. It is a destructive way of fishing because of explosives. The effect of that is you can kill any type of marine creature by a single explosive including the endangered type of fishes.

It also affect the production of suppliers because you can even kill new born fishes which can help in reproducing more type of fishes. Pollution is the biggest impact of Dynamite Fishing or in other words Climate Change. The rapid rising of the sea temperature which is not good for marine life. It causes acidification resulting a huge mass bleaching of coral reefs. It is also considered that dynamite fishing is a way of heat stress from global warming and weather events like EL NIÑO cause of metabolism of coral reef to create toxins that starve coral colonies to death. If you want to have a bountiful way of fishing you must try different method of fishing not in a way of destroying other natural habitat and causing of global warming. There is a lot of way it catching fishes like making traps and making it as a hobby by the use of fishing rod.

After the successful afternoon of shopping, my best friend Matilda and I headed back to the cottage from the unbearable heat and were dying for a swim; it was the perfect escape from ninety-eight degree heat. In a quick few seconds, we had our bathing suits on and headed toward the beach. As we splashed into the crystal blue ocean, the water was so perfect. The waves rolled in each as strong and bold as the last.

It brought music to my ears, as I remember the happy memories of my childhood. Since a young girl, I had always loved the ocean. The beauty and the vastness of the ocean always has taken my breath away. As I dove beneath the surface, threatening to never to be seen again, only the painful desire of air forced my body to the surface where I quickly regained my breath.

The current of the waves, countiningly brought me farther into the ocean. As I looked up, I realized how far the beach shores was from me. Making a wise decision, I decided to head back closer to shore. My friend Matilda was a couple feet ahead of me, when suddenly she screamed.

I turned around looking for what had possibly frightened her. I laughed to myself, thinking that it was just a fish, but when I saw the horror on her face, I knew that something was seriously wrong. With not enough time to ask, I was pulled beneath the surface, taking my final gulp of air. Staying calm, I realized that I was being attacked by a great white shark.

By now, I was dangling against the side of the shark’s body, out of breath and shocked. I tried to desperately push myself up, but for some reason my right leg wouldn’t move. I looked down and saw why: everything below was in the shark’s mouth. With anger I tried to pry myself free, but the shark only bit down harder, shaking its head back and forth tossing me around like a rag doll.

“I not going to die without a fight” I thought. I started attacking the shark with all my remaining strength, by punching his nose and grabbing his eyes, until it finally released me. My head was now pounding, and every cell in my body was screaming for oxygen. With one last amount of strength I thrust myself back to the surface.

I looked into the horizon, where I saw rescue boats coming for me. I began to see red and black splotches dance in front of me and before long darkness enclosed me into a deep sleep.

I woke up to the pungent smell of hospital disinfectant invading my nostrils. The room was silent apart from my heavy breathing and the beep sound you hear often in the hospital indicating that I was alive. I slowly started blinking, desperately trying to open my eyes to see what was around me.

Where am I? I closed my eyes trying to remember what had happened. Then it hit me with a bang, and my memory started to replay. In confusion, I tried to get up, but nothing would move. Removing my bed sheet, I looked in astonishment and dismay; I had lost my entire leg.

I put my head between my knees and began to cry sorrowfully. I felt a pair of hands enclosing me into a big warm hug; it was my Mom. I tightly grasped her waist and pulled her onto the bed, where we sat in silence cuddling for each others warmth.

“Honey, we will get through this together,” whispered my mom into my ear, as she broke the silence. “I promise!” she formed me into another one of her big bear hugs.

My shark attack had gone all over the news. I received so many presents and cards from many thoughtful people. My team had come in wishing their condolences, and said they would be there for me. My best friend Matilda, came in with tears, feeling that it was all her fault, but she was the one that saved my life. If it wasn’t for her, I would be in the bottom of the ocean. Today was Friday, and it was the final champion soccer game.

How has the Mass Fishing effected the natural resources and environment of the earth? With the depletion of fisheries and coastal environments around the world there is a corresponding reaction for a booming fishing industry that has benefitted significantly off the demand for more and more freshly resourced sea food.

But how has this effected the environment of these coastal areas that are being harvested? It has caused the utter destruction of a significant proportion of the world’s coastal areas, and despite conservationist efforts shows no sign of stopping. The fishing industry’s exploits have had varying effects on economies and environments locally, nationally, and globally.

In many underdeveloped societies fishing is not just a way of life it is the source of life. A prime example of this is on the aboriginal reserves in Australia. In 1905 the fishing regulations around coastal areas were not a strict as they are in the present day and aboriginals were able to thrive self sustainably by fishing on their reserves in the traditional way done for centuries.

While most of this fishing was purely for the sole purpose of feeding their tribe, so normal restrictions for the harvesting of fish were not applied. It was recognized in the early 80’s that an “operation” was taking place on the aboriginal land that was taking advantage of the limited harvest limits in the reservation to harvest a massive amount of fish to sell commercially outside of the reservation.

This “operation”, was practically ignored until the early 90’s when an ecological survey discovered an enormous “drought” in aquaculture in the coastal area’s off of the reservation, this was because the “operation” had been harvesting ten times the limit applied to commercial fisheries outside of the reservation.

Because of this incident Australia passed the “1991 FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries”, which now applied to all coastal aboriginal reservations as well as commercial fisheries to prevent over harvesting mainly in western Australia. At first this received an enormous backlash, mainly from the aboriginals who had abused their rights to run the “operation” but is still in effect to the present day.

This is a primary example of how even local fisheries can have a drastic impact on the environment and must be strictly regulated in order to preserve the environment. While this was a severely negative event for this local coastline the aboriginal tribe that, was responsible for this “operation”, gained a significant economical product because of their efforts.

The first signs of an unhealthy relationship between the fishing industry and the environment in America was documented to be in the 20th century when fleets of cod fishers in New England nearly depleted Cape Cod’s entire stock of Cod in less than decade. This was the first example of mass fishing that resulted in an ecosystems primary organism almost being completely wiped out.

To coincide with this recreational fishing in this area continued even after the main event of mass fishing ceased further decimating the cod populations. This occurred during a time when fishing regulations were virtually nonexistent in that there were none, and fishing was open to anyone with the capabilities and man power to harvest the ocean. The events at Cape Cod led to several things happening across a newly developing America.

The first being that all the cod harvested had to be processed, canned, which produced many jobs benefiting the economy in the area for around ten years and starting an almost cod exclusive seafood market in the New England region. Albeit at the cost of the cod population in the area for generations, almost 90%.

If this situation had been managed better and restrictions had been put on the amount of fish able to be caught per vessel such a dramatic decrease would likely not have occurred and the environment would have had a more stable decrease of Cod. This had a national effect on the coasts of America because it was the start of mass fishing in this part of the world.

In the Pacific Ocean mass fishing is one of the most prominent industries in the world. Mass fishing ranges from the American west coast, to the Japanese coastline and extends to everywhere in between. The Pacific Ocean makes over 30% of the world and despite the common idea that it is an endless supply of seafood to support the fishing industry, that is not the case and it is drastically over fished. The fisheries and fishing vessels in this ocean providing much of the world’s seafood.

This is not without its own cost; despite this oceans vastness its aquatic life density has decreased around 20% in the past thirty years. Several species have been harvested to the brink of extinction namely the blue finned tuna, and several whale species. The methods of fishing involved are extremely efficient in that it is estimated in 2017 over seventy billion fish where harvested from the Pacific Ocean alone.

This has had a drastic effect on ecosystems globally, with the decrease and increase of certain fish skyrocketing and plummeting in such a short geological amount of time all aquatic ecosystems in this portion of the world are in disarray. With the number of vessels harvesting this ocean there is no easy way to regulate the amount of fish harvested, weight limits are already in place to try to counteract the amount of ecological loss. The industry overall that relies on this ocean is too large to regulate because of its size, global influence, and its support of economies around the globe.

Mass fishing is an ever-increasing problem around the world and shows no signs of stopping. While it does support entire countries’ economies it is at a great cost to the world’s environment. There is not an easy answer to how to solve this problem because of the vastness of the issue, but the effects are ever increasing and eventually it will be present to all the dangers of over harvesting our oceans.

Leather Made of Janitor Fish Skin In ancient times, animal skin has been used by our ancestors as their reliable clothing for cold climates. The time is evolving; many ideas came out for where to get other sources of leather since the usage of animal fur and skins is against the animal welfare law for some countries, especially if the animal is an endangered species. Many manufacturers are seeking for other alternatives that can be used as Leather. On the other hand, Janitor fish is considered a pest because it brings imbalance to the ecosystem in some parts of the world, especially in the Philippines.

Considering Janitor fish as pest, we can benefit from a pest by making its skin into leather. Janitor fish or the scientifically known as Hypostomus plecostomus is also commonly called Suckerfish, Sucker mouth Catfish or Pleco. Janitor fishes feed on algae, aquatic weeds, small crustaceans and other aquatic creatures. Moreover, janitor fishes would easily adapt in an environment where there is food. These fishes are peaceful in nature, thus, in an aquarium set-up; they can live with other fishes but are aggressive with fishes of the same kind.

It was called such because of its sucking-like mouth. This specie originated from the Tropical Central America and South America. It usually dwells in fresh running waters and salty waters of river mouths. This specie is of no value as food, yet it is in demand in the aquarium industry in United States, Singapore, Hong Kong and even in the Philippines. . Here in the Philippines it is widely known as the Janitor Fish. It earned its name when it was first introduced here as an aquarium pet.

It is usually seen in the sides of fish tanks sucking the growing algae. In the late 90’s, Marikina River was teeming with several freshwater species, some of which are the tilapia, carp, catfish, mudfish, and golden apple snail. Fishermen survived with just fishing in this river because of its abundance of fishes. . But for quite a time now, this river is encountering a huge depletion because of the rapid growth of Janitor Fish. This causes much problem amongst the City Officials and the fisher folks.

The janitor fish invasion was believed to have started with the sudden outbreak of this specie from their breeding pens in Laguna de Bay and have traveled from there to the river. Another root of this was those aquarists, aquarium enthusiasts, who are already tired of taking care of their janitor fish just releases them in the open waters, in this case, in Marikina River. Ever since, fishermen had problems with their catch since janitor fishes had outnumbered the species native to the river. It was unlike before where the river was rich with fishes like tilapia, martiniko gurame, ayungin and biya.

One reason for this is that the janitor fish doesn’t only compete with the food these other species eat but also suck the eggs of these fishes. Another reason is that the spiny and tough body of the janitor fishes bruise other fish species when the two get contact. This kills the fish. These fishes also contribute to the murky river in Marikina because these species are mud dwellers, thus causes commotion in the mud under water. Janitor fishes create holes in the banks as their hatching area for their eggs.

Eventually, after these eggs hatch, the seedlings leave the hole. Once a certain area in the bank has lots of holes then there is a higher tendency for this area to collapse. This is called an outfall. If outfalls would continue, the width of the river might increase and the lanes built near the banks would eventually fall down. Janitor Fish is a fast multiplying specie that can last 10-15yrs. currently, it is infesting the water systems in the Philippines. The most famous of which is the Marikina River. The presence of this specie has greatly bothered the community.

How are we going to lessen the growing number of janitor fish by making it more useful, environment friendly, and prevent to destroy the uniqueness and beauty of some river here in Philippines, especially Marikina River? There’s no scientific evidence that the meat of janitor fish is safe for human consumption. And since there’s a big threat of losing the Marikina River, we have to lessen them and make their skin more usable by making some leather goods. The population of the said fish grows faster than the ordinary fish.

And having that basic information at hand, we can reduce their population by using them as an alternative source of leather. Janitor Fish are also making holes at the river side as their home. So, imagine having thousands of holes at the river side. Surely it can cause landslides, right? So my idea would be, since we Filipinos are so creative, let’s make the janitor fish skin more useful by using it as a source of leather. We have to be practical especially during these times, so I came up with the idea of putting janitor fishes’ skin into exotically good use. Here, leather will be produced from their very skin.

Don’t you find that amusing? But the 65-billion dollar question is: how on earth will janitor fishes’ skin be made into leather? Can it compete with the quality of genuine leather? Can it really help in decreasing their rapidly growing number? Your questions will be answered as you read and indulge in the next texts. I will prove that the janitor fishes’ skin could be used quite impressively. Flip on the next pages and see! JANITOR FISHES’ SKIN PUT INTO GOOD USE—LEATHER. As I have observed, the janitor fishes’ skin is quite hard and shiny; most probably caused by its sliminess.

Its skin is rubber-like and could be a very good material in making leather. The texture and composition of its skin is rough, yet slimy like leather. What products could usually be made of leather? Shoes, bags, belts, clothing, and wallets are just some of the possible products we can produce through its skin. Resourceful and useful indeed! The very texture and composition of the skin makes it an excellent alternative for leather. Also, this would a very good help in budget cutting, since the janitor fishes’ skin will definitely be less expensive than that of the genuine leather.

Plus, the quality’s almost the same. Most importantly, our focus to reduce the growing number of janitor fishes that destructs most of our water resources where we get majority of sea foods. Since the janitor fish is considered as pest here in the Philippines and no one could think of a possible action to get rid of them, we’re going to get rid of them through making extra good use of their skin! In that way, aside from decreasing their number and putting them to use, we could also save a lot of money instead of purchasing expensive snake and alligator skins.

As I have said earlier, it’s skin is rubber like yet slimy; just like the genuine leather made of snake and alligator skin. MARIKINA, the country’s shoe capital, may soon be using Janitor fish skin as accent for footwear and other products as an alternative to alligator and snake skin.. But why are we going to get rid of Janitor fish, why not stick on the alligator or snake skin when making leather goods? Janitor fish doesn’t harm people unlike alligator or snake right? Well… the answer to that question is that… The fish digs holes in pond dikes and river embankments for its nest, eroding soil in the riverbanks.

Although edible and harmless to humans, Marikina residents do not want to have it because of its seemingly dirty habitat. Janitor fish is a threat to freshwater biodiversity, Janitor fishes “compete for food with the native catfish, carp, mudfish, tarpons, mullets, tilapia and other fish species. Since they (janitor fishes) are opportunistic and voracious feeders, they may cause their numbers to increase enough to disrupt the marsh ecosystem by displacing the native fish species, and causing the reduction of native fish catch, that’s terrible right? Imagine having no native fish, just a janitor fish.

What is worrisome is that the janitor fish has no natural enemies, and this means it can rapidly multiply,So, Janitor fish in the Marikina River, the city government has launched a campaign to get rid of the “pest” which multiplies very quickly. We can actually make wallets, purses, watch straps, billfold and key chains using skin from the belly of the fish. The janitor fish’s skin has spots and patterns like those of alligators and snakes which are prized for their unique patterns and texture. Also, some study show that the oil from janitor fish could also be used as bio-fuel for motor vehicles.

Imagine how greatly we could be of great help, not only to the country’s economy but to nature as well. Definitely, the circle of life is a mystery and the authority in decreasing the earth’s species numbers aren’t supposed to be in our hands, but let’s be practical. It is not money and time alone that we can save, but lives and people as well. For when this product would be endorsed and put to work, livelihood would boom. A lot of unemployed people could have jobs and spend their time wisely than staying outdoors or at home, doing nothing—being unproductive.

Think wise, for the Lord made a lot of things with a lot of great purposes yet to be revealed and discovered. And when these things would finally be revealed, we will all be amazed in its beauty and greatness, its richness and uniqueness. This project of making fine leather from a pest’s skin (janitor fish) would be of magnanimous help to us all. Let’s be wise, conserve, be practical and support nature. I really hope this project would pursue, that in my own little knowledge, I imbibed and partake in bringing about change. To end this argument therefore, I must say that LEATHER MADE OF JANITOR FISHES’

SKIN is good and competent, and is a very product for the public. Having said over and over that we have to reduce their rapidly growing population as pests and also cope with our economic crisis, this product will definitely be great! Can you imagine leather at a cheaper cost? Leather made from a fishes’ skin? Leather than can compete with the quality of original and genuine leather? What more could you ask for? Aside from helping fishermen, you, above everything else, helps in saving the environment. See how a simple product could help a lot in conserving the richness and beauty of the environment?

Indeed, great things could come from small things. We should eradicate the janitor fish as fast as we can. Like what I’ve said on the first part, “Imagine having no native fish, just a janitor fish”. We should fully support those people who are continually discovering and experimenting goods from janitor fish, not only from their skin but for whatever we can use from them. SOURCES: * (March 10, 2008) Janitor Fish Invasion in Marikina River: Plotting Potential Invasion on nearby water. http://epmgis. wikispaces. com/Janitor+Fish+Invasion+in+Marikina+River+Plotting+Potential+Invasion+on+nearby+Water *

The overfishing of our world’s oceans is causing a depletion of some prize fish, such as tuna and swordfish, to the point that some scientists believe that 90% of these big fish populations have been fished out. Jeremy Jackson of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography published a study in 2001 in which he asserts that overfishing is more destructive than toxic pollution or degrading water quality (University of Phoenix, 2007).

Dr. Daniel Pauly, Professor and Director of the University of British Columbia’s Fisheries Centre, describes it as follow on The Overfishing. org  (2007) website: “The big fish, the bill fish, the groupers, the big things will be gone. It is happening now. If things go unchecked, we’ll have a sea full of little horrible things that nobody wants to eat. We might end up with a marine junkyard dominated by plankton” (Fishing down the food web, para. 1).

Among the scientific community there is little argument on how to resolve this issue. Research has found that the situation is reversible if addressed now, but states that it will require a change in attitude in how we are using the oceans (University of Phoenix, 2007). To address this issue now, so that we may sustain the world’s big fish population for future generations, we must create a plan of action that includes the following steps (Young Peoples Trust for the Environment, n.. d. ). Begin with quotas on fish. We can base this quota on scientific estimates of which fish are the most severely depleted, and adjustments can be made to the quotas according to reassessments done every few years as we monitor the repletion of the fish populations.

Larger nets must also be used. As the big fish population has declined, mesh size has gotten smaller. We must increase this back to the original mesh size used perhaps 40 years ago, to allow the smaller fish to escape and continue to grow and breed. International agreements to protect important habitats, such as spawning and nursing grounds of these endangered big fish. Create a system that monitors the catch being brought in by fisheries, and independent fishermen, worldwide. Perhaps assessing severe fines for those caught exceeding the quotas placed on the endangered fish, or fishing in controlled waters, so that the penalty would exceed the expected gain. Educate fishermen on the fact that by following this plan, they are not losing their income but, in fact, helping to preserve their livelihood Most commercial fishermen, such as Pete DuPruis, who owns and operates his own fishing vessel on the Pacific Ocean, will see this as a challenge to their ability to earn a living. DuPruis and his fellow fishermen must be educated to realize that by following the guidelines, we will ensure their livelihood for many years, and the industry for future generations of commercial fishermen.

A presentation should be made mandatory, as part of renewing the commercial fishing license, showing the declining numbers in the big fish groups, and how by following these guidelines, we can sustain their industry and the fish population both. Once made to understand that only through these efforts can the world continue to rely on the ocean’s population as a source of food, and that all fishermen worldwide will be held to the same standards, the fishermen should go along with the management plan, even if not happy about it.

On the other side of the issue, environmentalists should be happy to help implement and provide data for this initiative to restock the world’s big fish population. By putting this plan into practice, we will also resolve the other problems created by over fishing, as it effects not only the depleted fish population, but also the animals for which those fish are food of choice. Whales are turning to sea otters for food, rather than the sea lions and eals on which they normally feed, as those populations also decline. Over fishing has also caused the use, as stated earlier, of smaller mesh nets, increasing the amount of by catch that is caught in the nets. By catch is the seabirds, dolphins, sea turtles, and even whales that are also caught in the net as they drag it in, and are usually dumped back into the ocean, dead or dying. A drastic reduction in the amount of by catch will subsequently occur with the reinstating of the larger mesh nets.

The management plan may cause fishermen to have to look into a second source of income for the first five to ten years, as the most severe restrictions are put into place, giving the fish populations can breed and repopulate, and a reassessment to be done by the scientific community charged with monitoring the big fish groups. Governments might be forced to subsidize the industry for this initial period, to help prevent illegal poaching by some fishermen who saw poaching as their only economic alternative.

Consumers would have to reduce their use of fish, and would have to pay more for the fish they did purchase at the market during this period of regeneration, but the result should be the reduction of prices after the fish populations have been restored. The encouraging news is that, by employing this simple plan for the restoration and future sustainment of our ocean’s big fish populations, we will be able to enjoy them as a food source for the foreseeable future.

References

1. Overfishing – a global disaster. Retrieved November 07,2009 from http://overfishing. org/pages/why_is_overfishing_a_problem. php University of Phoenix. (2007).
2. Declining fish stock vlr. Retrieved November 07,2009 from University of Phoenix, SCI275 – Environmental Science website at https://ecampus. phoenix. edu/secure/aapd/axia/sci275/multimedia/video/declinining_fish_stock. htm Young Peoples Trust for the Environment. (n.. d. ).
3. Over fishing. Retrieved November 08,2009 from http://www. ypte. org. uk/environmental/over-fishing/29

California Shoshone are a Native American tribe that lived in central California, along the eastern border, at the base of the Sierra Nevadas. Their location dictated their lifestyle. Their houses were made in a cone shape using slabs of bark or brush. They also had sweathouses that they used to keep their skin clean. The main foods of the California Shoshone were pine nuts. They occasionally hunted buffalo, but relied more on salmon fishing, deer, and small game. as well as roots gathered by the women . Shoshone hunters used bows and arrows. Fishermen used spears, nets, and basket traps.

In war, Shoshone men fired their bows or fought with war clubs and buffalo-hide shields. Shoshone women were in charge of the home. Besides cooking and cleaning, a Shoshone woman built her family’s tepee and dragged the heavy posts with her whenever they moved. Shoshone men were hunters and warriors, responsible for feeding and defending their families. Only men became Shoshone chiefs, but both men and women took part in storytelling, artwork and music, and traditional medicine. People of the California Shoshone wore rabbit or deer skins when they were available. Shoshone women wore long deerskin dresses with wide sleeves.

Shoshone men wore breechcloths and leggings as well as buckskin shirts when the weather was cool. Men and women wore moccasins on their feet. Some other intrest of the Shoshone Indians were bead work, making baskets, and painting. The Shoshone tribe was ruled by a chief. Traditionally, Shoshone people only cut their hair when they were in mourning. Some Shoshones wore facial tatooes and painted their faces for special occasions.. I have learned that California Shoshone had houses, clothes, and food that were available where they lived. They were very fun to learn about.

Coral reefs are unique ecosystems of plants, animals, and their associated geological framework. The ocean equivalent of rainforests, they are home to 25% of all marine species, yet it is estimated that many of the world’s reefs will be destroyed or significantly damaged in the next 20 years because of the human and the physical damage put on to them. They grow in tropical seas in the photic zone, where there is mild wave action, not so strong to tear the reef apart yet strong enough to stir the water and deliver sufficient food and oxygen. Coral reefs also need nutrient-poor, clear, warm, shallow water to grow.

Human Threats to the Coral reefs

Tourist

There are a number of different human threats applied to the coral reefs, most of it which is caused by tourists. These activities are;

* Snorkelling- Inexperienced snorkellers can trample corals with their flippers. The can also damage the corals by getting to close and resting on the reefs.

* Boat trips- Cruses taking visitors out to the reefs are often careless when the drop their anchor. The anchor will crush the delicate corals with their weight. The water movements made by the boats travelling too fast will damage the corals the force applied to the corals underwater. When the boats get to close to the reefs, the hull tends to scrape past the corals, damaging them.

* Boat hire- Tourist don’t tend to know the local water, so when they hire a boat, they usually run it aground on a reef.

* Souvenirs- When tourists go snorkelling or scuba diving by the corals, they tend to pick corals for them to take home.

Fishing

It’s NOT always tourist how cause all the damage, but it’s also the fishermen. Their ways of catching fish is always a harm to corals. Their ways of fishing are;

* Dynamite fishing- Some fishers in poor countries, who fish by the coral reefs, often drop dynamites or other explosive into the reefs. When it explodes, it drives the fishes out of the corals and stuns or kills them. This makes it easier to collect the fishes. The explosion can blow corals apart and can send shock waves to the coral which are further away. This is a danger to the fishes and corals. Small organisms, especially coral polyps, are killed by the cyanide in this process. It also provides a new set of dangers to the fishermen.

* Metal Nets- When fishers use large mesh net to fish the corals reefs with, the corals get usually get stuck, and then get ripped off, when the boats drag the net behind them.

Physical threats to the coral reefs

There are also a number of physical threats applied top the coral reefs. They are;

* Sea level- Global warming causes the temperature to rise by 1 or2 centigrade per century. It may not seem much, but it affects the sea because the sea level rises by 15-95 cm. A rise in temperature causes the icebergs to melt. The melted sea water is added to the sea, and makes the sea level rise. The means that the sea becomes deeper. If the sea becomes deeper, the corals will start to lack in sunlight. Corals need warm and shallow water.

* Soil Erosion- When soil erodes, the soil usually ends up in a river, and then gets carried down to the sea. The soil can then be deposited on the corals. If this happens, the corals would be covered in sand, and they won’t be able to intake any sunlight. It is usually caused by poor use of land.

* Climate change- Changes to the weather patterns can cause problems for the coral reefs. Hurricanes are now striking more and more frequently, and the have becomes stronger. This is all to blame on the global warming. Hurricanes can have a devastating impact on the coral reefs because of its increased wave energy. Sediments generated during storms can bury the coral communities.

Ways to prevent human damages to coral reefs

Tourist

There might be a lot of human threats to the coral reefs which can damage them, but there are also a number of ways to prevent the damages which are caused to them. These ways are;

* Snorkelling- Inexperienced snorkellers should need to take an experienced snorkeller with them. Like they do driving licences, they should do snorkelling licences.

* Boat trips- When cruses take people to see the reefs, they can drop the anchors somewhere by the reefs, where there are no fishes or corals. The movements made by fast boats can be prevented by putting a speed limit by the coral reefs.

* Boat hire- When tourists hire a boat, the hiring agency should give them a driver who knows the local water, to steer the boat around the coral reefs.

* Souvenirs- Instead of tourist picking corals from the reefs, the government should pick dead corals, and sell the in gift shops.

Fishing

There are also ways to prevent damage cause by fishing, if we prevent fishing by the corals, the fishmongers will become bankrupt, and there would be much more poverty. But if we don’t prevent fishing by the reefs, in the years to come, the rare types of fishes will be extinct. The ways fishing can be prevented are;

* Dynamite fishing- Dynamite fishing can be prevented is banned. If people still continue, there should be a watchman for the each reef, patrolling the reefs for any dynamite fishers.

* Metal Nets- Instead of using large mesh nets, the fishers should use nets made out of roots and vines because corals won’t break and if the nets get stuck, the fishes can always eat them.

Ways to prevent physical damage to the coral reefs

The physical threats applied to the coral reefs are mostly caused by global warming. Most of it can be prevented if less CO2 is used, but there are many other ways to prevent these. They are;

* Sea level- It is hard to prevent the sea level from rising, is still possible. This can be done if the amount of carbon dioxide produce is less than before. We can shorten the amount by using less energy, stop the usage of non-renewable fuels and use our cars less and less.

* Soil erosion- Soil erosion can be prevented by planting more trees on the land. This will keep the soil together and prevent the soil from washing away when it rains heavily.

* Climate change- Hurricanes and other powerful storm are nearly impossible to prevent. It wouldn’t be normal if they don’t strike, but reducing the amount of CO2 would help to reduce the speed of the storms.

If the damage continues at the same rate as it is now, in the next few centuries to come, the coral reefs and their inhabitants would be extinct. In my opinion, the tourist industry is causing most of the damage. The coral reefs should be all made into a nature park, where tourist would have a guide to take them around the corals and tell them about the dangers of them being extinct. Fishing by the coral reefs should be banned by the government. If all these improvements are made, the fragile ecosystem would be around for the next generation of people to see them.