Importance of Fish

As we discussed in class, PCB’s have destroyed the natural ecosystem of the Hudson and polluted the water resulting in unsafe and inedible fish. However, many people continue to fish in the Hudson anyways. Why don’t we take the step to ensure that people just don’t eat the fish? This was a simple solution to a much bigger problem that the class discussed. Some underestimate the importance of fish and fisheries in our society. Fish are needed for the well being as well economic growth for United States along with the rest of the World.

More than 27,000 known species of fish living in oceans, lakes and rivers reflect the cornerstone of global diversity. As an essential resource for humans, 132 million metric tons of fish are captured or raised each year with 75% of the catch being directly consumed by people. Human consumption of fish is not purely for enjoyment but a significant part of our diets. One billion of the human population relies on fish as their main source of protein and worldwide fish provides over 2.6 billion people with more than 20% of their animal protein.

The importance of marine life reaches beyond humans’ basic need for quality protein it also plays a critical role in the economy. Today, 38 million people earn an income based off of fishing related activities. Globally marine and freshwater fisheries generate over US 130 billion annually, and employ at least 200 million people (Combos 11). Even the regional fishing developments are vital to allow small-scale fishermen to stay employed.

By attracting sportsmen, many areas are able to thrive through tourism resulting in economic stability. It has been reported that, “forty-million anglers in the US spent US$41.5 billion during 2001, producing over a million jobs in tourism and recreation, and providing nine times the overall economic input of commercial fishing” (Combos 11).

Although these facts don’t show the importance of fish in the Hudson, it does show how much we rely on fish in the World. Fish, a very important resource, is already strained by climate change, disease, pollution and over fishing. Steps should be taken to make sure that fish stay reliable for future growth.

I think Shen is turning our class into fish freaks!

Combos, Stacey. Are We Putting Our Fish in Hot Water? Ed. Martin Hilor. n.d. 3 Apr. 2007 .