Like many things after WWII, the world’s food supply was in tatters. In dire times, governments looked to the seas and to fisherman to feed millions of people who were struggling after countries had been torn apart by war. Huge subsidies were paid out to fisherman, and the more money fisherman got, the more fish they caught.
Now, there is a problem. Fish stock depletion in our oceans is reaching critical levels. And, according to University of British Columbia (UBC) economist Rashid Sumaila, these subsidies are also leading to small-scale fisherman struggling and environmental harms through subsidies for fuel.
But despite the fact these subsidies are outdated and harmful, it’s unpopular for governments to take away support from groups. As such, nothing has been done.
But the subsidies which lead to increased fishing levels are compounding the problems the ocean is facing with rising temperatures and acidity.
It is also speeding up the depletion of fish populations from our oceans, as huge trawlers scour the ocean for a catch, leaving the little guy (both fish and human) hurting.
Read more about the research of Rashid Sumaila into how fishery subsidies are hurting both fish and fisherman in Canadian Wildlife magazine, Mar + Apr 2018 edition.
Feature image from the CWF photo contest.