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Protecting finite fish resource
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Posted on Sep 18 2000
The Issue: Banning destructive fishing methods and over-fishing of reef fish in the islands.
Our View: Either we wake-up to this dire situation or forever lose a precious dietary resource.
Since the dawn of man in these isles, our forefathers have fished in our lagoons to put food on the family dinner table.
Traditional food gathering was either farming or fishing or both. Our forefathers have turned to the sea to catch reef fish to meet the dietary needs of the entire clan.
Traditional fishing methods were used–net or spear fishing–involving a group of seasoned fishermen. It’s a community activity especially when the fishermen return to the shore with lots of fish. Everybody pitches-in, scaling and cleaning the day’s catch.
Up until the late sixties, fishing families would share their catch with neighbors. Farmers reciprocate by giving a portion of their harvest. It was a very complimentary tradition that gradually disappeared through the years.
Commercialization of fisheries and destructive fishing methods have reduced this finite resource in our lagoon. The transfer of tourists to Mañagaha via the fragile lagoon, coupled with unscrupulous tour agents who have allowed coral reef removal, have also contributed to the destruction of the natural habitat of reef fish, thus the resultant decline.
It is a finite resource, meaning, it will be totally depleted if we don’t proactively ban destructive fishing methods and over fishing. We can’t neglect one of the key elements of this tropical island. It remains a source of sustenance for many families in these isles. Let’s do something about its preservation. We owe it to ourselves and posterity. Si Yuus Maase`!
