Endangered Fish Species

The globalisation of fishing markets, fishing technologies and levels of industrialised fishing has put increasing pressure on fish stocks. The world’s oceans are seeing a rapid decrease in wild fish with several species already pushed to extinction. Today, many of the mostly well-known predatory fish are on the brink of extinction such as tuna, cod, swordfish and sharks.   The depletion of these fish species further contributes to unstable ecosystems and alters the evolutionary process of fish species, forcing cycles of premature reproduction and smaller fish sizes. Fish stocks are a finite resource and it is likely that over-fishing will decimate fish stocks. Several scientists have predicted that there will no longer be a fish supply by 2050, based on the rate at which fish are currently being caught by the fishing industry.

Aquaculture or fish farming has been developed to create a commercially farmed source of aquatic animals and plants. However, many studies have pointed out the ecological and environmental risks associated with badly managed fish-farming operations. The escape of farmed fish into the sea may lead to an increase of disease and lice passed on to wild fish. Many fish farms feed their stock on the same basic type of animal feed used in the pig and poultry industry - one made from smaller wild fish such as anchovies, sardines and whitebait. Since this practise is recognised as being a cause for concern, research is currently underway to substitute fish protein with that derived from seaweed so as to reduce the perceived ecological problem.

As the oceans are vital in sustaining human life and the health of the planet, the identification of means to prevent overfishing are recognised as particularly important.   For example:

·          Being informed and informing others about the risks

·          Knowing what you eat and where it is sourced

·          Ceasing consumption of endangered fish species

·          Promoting the development of marine reserves

·          Promoting the adherence to international   law and sustainable fish quotas

·          Advocating against the pollution of estuaries where fish breed

The Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) have complied a consumer guide that outlines the fish species which are endangered by extinction and the species which are harvested sustainably . (link to IWT site)