Aquatic Science: Seafood & Fisheries Part 2

Course: STU1033 Aquatic Science & Daily Life

Learning Unit 4: Seafood & Fisheries Resources Part 2

• Learning Objectives:
  • Choose fresh seafood in the market
  • Understand the function of Malaysian fisheries agencies
  • Explain different fish catching methods

Types of Fishing Techniques

• Non-destructive: Methods that do not harm the environment or the fish. Often can turn to destructive if not performed correctly
• Destructive: These methods cause irreversible damage to aquatic habitats and ecosystems:
  • Dynamite/blast fishing
  • Bottom trawling
  • Cyanide fishing

Fishing Techniques (Non-destructive)

• Recreational Fishing:
  • Hook and line
  • Coastal, deep sea, and ponds
  • Leisure activity for families and friends
  • Annual competitions (e.g., "Pertandingan Memancing Joran," Bill Fishing Festival)
• Subsistence Fishing:
  • Hook and line, cast nets, gill nets
  • Manual harvesting of shellfish and seaweed
  • River, river mouths, estuaries, coastal areas
  • Small-scale fishing for domestic consumption or supplemental income
• Seaweed Gathering/Collection: Gathering seaweed from coastal areas by local people for consumption.

Commercial Fishing

• Activity: Catching fish and other seafood from wild sources for profit.
• Methods: Often extends far into the ocean under adverse conditions, using large nets, traps, and factory ships
• Importance: A large-scale food source for many countries
• Methods (large-scale): Large nets (e.g., trawls, seine nets, gill nets), traps, and factory ships
• Types of fish caught: A large variety of fish including herrings, sardines, cod, anchovy, tuna, flounder, crabs, lobster, and other species.

Fishing Restrictions

• Restrictions: International treaties and fishing allocation schemes limit fishing effort and improve capture efficiency, reducing environmental impact.

Fishing Methods (Methods used are very efficient):

• Trawl
• Seine nets
• Dredges
• Gill nets
• Traps

Destructive Fishing Techniques

• Methods: Dynamite, blast fishing, bottom trawling, cyanide fishing.
• Damaging Effects:
  • Indiscriminately kill large numbers of fish and marine organisms in the vicinity.
  • Damage or destroy the environment.
• Examples:
  • Dynamite/Blast Fishing: Using explosive devices to kill fish, often destroying coral reefs and other habitats.
  • Bottom Trawling: Large nets dragged across the seabed, damaging habitats, endangering marine life, and causing other species to be caught unintentionally (bycatch).
  • Cyanide Fishing: Poisoning fish with cyanide, enabling easier collection, leading to the death of many non-target species and damage to the local ecosystem

Factory Ships

• Description: Large vessels with extensive fish processing/freezing facilities, allowing for large-scale catches and product export.

Summary Note: Destructive Fishing Is Common in Developing Countries

• Destructive fishing practices are prevalent in developing countries, partially due to economic factors, lack of resources or regulation.