1 Why is it important to have a balance of predators and prey in an ecosystem?
2 Some scientists think that fishing should be "unselective". They suggest that fisheries should
catch fish of all species and sizes. Why do you think this might not be a good idea?
3 Looking at figures 2 & 3, which fishing strategy results in the lowest catch and biomass?
The most important economic factor for commercial fisheries is profitability - this is the
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difference between the money that the fishermen can sell their catch for, and the cost of
fishing. Can you think of some of the costs of fishing, and why do you think that the rules in
our study will help to reduce these costs?
If the science is so clear about the economic benefits of sustainable fishing, why are fishers
5 not going for it? Why are they not willing to catch less for 2-3 years, to help the fish recover,
if thereafter they can catch substantially more forever? Why do you think are managers and
politicians not helping fishers to make the transition?
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