Currents and Sea Life

Some migratory fish and marine animals follow certain currents north and south annually for the variations in sea temperature and rely on them for their quick transportation to other regions on the planet, which are essential for the reproduction of some species.   Antarctic whales and Northern whales have the same migratory patterns and both travel to the tropic in search of warmer temperatures. Marked fin whales have been recorded to travel up to 3000 kilometres over a period of two years. Salmon are also great migratory fish and have also been recorded travelling over thousands of kilometres back to their birth place to spawn. Fish and marine life feed by facing in the direction of the current as they can intercept food washed along by the current. Ships also rely on these currents as sailing with them is more cost effective than going against them in terms of fuel costs. Many shipping companies therefore take advantage of this. Following certain currents can also be used as a navigational tool by seamen as the ocean currents can be reliable at particular times of the year.

Ocean fisheries or wild fisheries are an essential source to sustain the 500 million people that rely on them for their livelihood in the developing world. Different oceans entertain different fish species as each ocean has its own unique climate depending on its tide levels, currents, temperature and salinity. Particular fish thrive in different kinds of sea environments. The Atlantic Ocean, for example, has an active fisheries industry with species such as cod, haddock, hake, herring, and mackerel being the most common. However, without regulation there is always the risk of over-fishing and depleting fish stocks.  Fish migrations which follow the currents such as tuna and salmon play an integral role in maintaining fish species and by monitoring them closely can avoid the risk of overfishing and maintaining healthy fish stocks.