Friday February 4 2011

Dear Diary...

I spent my day on the computer figuring out why albacore tuna is facing depletion. It can’t be only because of exploitation and it’s really not. Albacore tuna is under the organisation of two RFMO (Regional Fisheries Management Organisation): WCPEC (Western and Central Fisheries Commissions) and IATTC (Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission). Truthfully the super long names aren’t of any help, but they are supposed to protect fish from danger so they can thrive in the future. Obviously, it’s failing majorly. First of all, there’s no catch limit. This allows fishers to murder as many as they can within one session. There’s also illegal fishing which for some reason is barely being stopped. Fishers are relying on advanced technology that do provide effective quantities of fish but do not provide proper care for the specie. Sadly, it’s not only tuna that is being harmed from these unjustified acts. Thousands of by-catch is mistakenly lured each year, causing population decrease for many ocean creatures.
To solve this problem, these organizations should create a law that limits the amount fishers are allowed to catch. They should also establish a law where they must release living by-catch. I believe that the RFMOs in charge of this area should regulate gears that can be used and also inspect any suspicious tools.