Australia's fish populations in peril
Numbers of large fish species in Australia are rapidly on the decline, with populations of fish measuring more than 20 centimetres — such as bream and snapper — down by 30 per cent in the past 10 years. Marine species that build habitat for other species are also on the decline.
Since the introduction of marine parks in the 1980s, as well as national regulations that outlined fishing zones, catch sizes and mesh size of nets, Australian fisheries have enjoyed a reputation for being some of the world’s most sustainable. However, the latest statistics have marine ecologists calling for a review of Australian fisheries and fishing practices.
Research from the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Tasmania suggests that, in addition to climate change and overfishing, the ineffectual managment of marine reserves is largely to blame for the steep decline. Undersized and under-resourced, most Australian marine reserves are largely unable to aid in the recovery of important ecosystem functions.
If Australia wants to manage its commercial fish stocks for sustainability reasons, attention must be paid to the protection of marine habitats.
In areas open to fishing, exploited populations fell by an average of 33% between 2005 and 2015.
Global seagrass and mangrove cover have declined by 30% over the past century.