An ITQ is an Individual Transferable Quota. It is part of a quota system in which the managing agency divides up catch shares of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for the fishing season. This essentially, creates a “stock market” like system for the fishery where ITQs can be bought and sold. Setting up this type of … [Read more…]
A fish species is considered invasive if its position in an ecosystem negatively impacts other species. Generally, these are non-native species which have been introduced into a region by humans (either intentionally or unintentionally) with detrimental consequence to resident fish and other aquatic organisms. However, some argue that a native species can also be considered invasive … [Read more…]
Inland waters are defined by the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization as the “surface water existing inland including lakes, ponds, streams, rivers, natural or artificial watercourses and reservoirs, and coastal lagoons and artificial waterbodies.” Inland fisheries, by consequence, are the fishing activities associated with those waterbodies. Inland fisheries “may involve capture of wild fish or raising … [Read more…]
IUU fishing is illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing. According to the 2001 FAO International Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated Fishing, Illegal fishing refers to activities: conducted by national or foreign vessels in waters under the jurisdiction of a State, without the permission of that State, or in contravention … [Read more…]
Ichthyology is the study of fishes*. With an estimated 27,977 species, fish are the most numerous and diverse group of vertebrate species. In fact, there are more fish species than all other groups of vertebrates (amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) combined. One could argue that people have been studying fish for the purposes of food … [Read more…]