Unit 4 Notes Flashcards
What are the global commons?
Area of the oceans that are classified by UNCLOS as high seas.
Why may global commons create management challenges?
Because of overlapping EEZ’s, causing potential conflict. They’re also large areas, which makes it hard to enforce rules. They’re not bound by one nation’s laws.
Why are whales hunted?
Whale fat is usually used as fuel and lubricating oil, the perfume industry uses the whale ambergris, and modelling business produces corset with whalebones. Restaurant industry uses whale meat.
How is whaling managed?
The invention of steam ships led to a rapid expansion of the practice in the 20th century. Many whales were nearly hunted to extinction.
What is the effect of whaling on whale populations?
The populations of all types of whales have decreased since whaling began. The population of the Antarctic blue whale has decreased by over 10x.
What has happened to whaling populations post 20th century?
Antarctic Blue Whale - -2300. Fin Whale - -38000. Southern right whale - -7500. Sei Whale - -11000. Humpback Whale - -42000.
What is the whale industry regulated by?
The international whaling commission.
What did the IWC do in 1986?
Issued an indefinite ban on commercial whale hunting.
What did the IWC do in 1994?
Established Southern Ocean whale sanctuary, covering 50 million sq. km. This area has a complete ban on whaling with the aim of allowing whale populations to recover to some extent.
What are the limitations to the IWC commercial whaling ban?
Indigenous societies are still permitted for a restricted level of hunting. Japan and Norway has considered hunting due to what the government calls ‘scientific reasons’
What happened between 1987 and 1995?
The number of whales taken rose from 280 to 320.
What happened between 1996 and 2004?
The number remained stable at around 420 whales. The number of both types of whales peaked in 2005, with 850 Minke, and 10 fin whales.
Which countries have the highest number of whales hunted?
Japan - 1004. Norway - 536. Alaska - 323. Greenland - 168. Russia - 132.
Why does Japan hunt whales?
Because of cultural tradition, and domestic demand for whales.
What did Japan do in 2018?
Withdrew from the IWC in 2018, recommencing commercial whaling, carrying out commercial whaling in territorial waters, not in open seas.
Why did the Japanese government take this decision?
To keep themselves in power, as there are small towns whose economies depend on whaling, who are politically important.
What can Japan still do?
Go for other species outside of international treaties.
What are the advantages of whaling?
Employment/economy. Scientific research. Indigenous people rely on them.
What are the disadvantages of whaling?
Risk of extinction, Protest, difficult to regulate, biological pump.
Why is there increased pressure to over exploit marine ecosystems?
The middle class currently spend $35 trillion per year globally, they will spend $64 trillion by 2030. As living standards rise, people demand more fish and other protein in their diets.
What is happening to the middle class worldwide?
It’s growing - 160 million people per year are being added to the global middle class. Less small scale fishermen, more big fishing companies.
What is overfishing?
Fish stocks being reduced to levels where populations are unable to sustain themselves.
How much fish does each person eat per year on average?
19.2kg, twice as much as the average 50 years ago.
How many tonnes of fish were caught worldwide in 2013?
93 million tonnes.
For how many people is fish the main source of protein?
1.2 Billion people.
How much have stocks of large fish fallen?
By 90%.
What has happened to the rate at which we’re catching fish?
It outweighs how fast they can reproduce.
What % of marine creatures are killed and thrown back into the ocean?
80-90%.
What has happened to the % of high seas fished in per year?
It has grown from 1% in 1950, to 63% in 2006.
What is the case study for overfishing?
Canadian Newfoundland industry 1992.
What was the reason for industry collapse in newfoundland?
Overfishing due to advances in fishing technology. Mismanagement - economic dependency due to changing ocean conditions.
What action was taken to protect cod species?
Cod moratorium - An indefinite ban on northern cod fishing off the coast of newfoundland. It was enacted due to the decline of cod stocks.
How were fishermen compensated as a result of the moratorium?
NCARP - Short term compensation, providing income support, helping workers transition, focusing on retraining, relocation and income support.
What were the socio economic impacts of the cod moratorium?
30,000 job losses, increased poverty and economic instability, loss of cultural heritage, shift to other industries.
What is the future of cod fishing in newfoundland?
In 2021, the Northern cod stock was still at a critically low level, 3% of its’ historical size. 2022 - remains at a low level with some recovery in certain age classes of cod.
Why is sustainable development of fish important?
Oceans, seas and coastal areas are critical to sustainable development. Over three billion people depend on marine and coastal resources for their livelihoods. Oceans are crucial for global food security and human health.
What did the 1995 UN fish stock agreement set out?
International principles for conservation and management of fish stocks. Sets out that states should co-operate to ensure conservation of fish stocks within and beyond the EEZ. Effective management and conservation of high seas resources by establishing minimum international standards.
What is the 2023 UN high seas treaty?
Was signed to increase protection of oceans to include international waters which cover over 213 of the world’s ocean area.
What privileges does the protected area now have?
Establishes a framework for designation of MPA’s in the high seas - Areas with high biodiversity, ecologically or biologically significant areas.
How does the treaty help tackle overfishing?
Creates marine protected areas, helps fish populations recover, maintain biodiversity. Mandates the adoption of measures to manage, and conserve marine resources effectively.
How does the treaty help reduce marine pollution?
Regulates marine activities - requires environmental impact assessments including shipping, fishing and resource extraction. Monitors marine ecosystems, reports pollution levels. Encourages international co-operation.
What is an example of a regional treaty to solve overfishing?
EU CFP.
What does the CFP do?
Sets quotas for which member states are allowed to catch for each type of fish. The CFP was creates to manage fish stocks for the EU as a whole.
Why has the CFP been criticised?
By farmers, as they say it threatens their livelihoods.
What is a fishing quota?
Catch limits set for most commercial fish stocks. TAC’s are set based on scientific assessments of the state of fish stocks.
Why are fishing quotas criticised?
Failed to prevent overfishing - quotas are based on outdated data, leading to depletion of fish stocks. It favours larger industrial fishing fleets, at the expense of small fishermen. Destruction of marine habitats and bycatch argue that the policy doesn’t do enough to protect vulnerable ecosystems.
