Protein Source

A report from the year 2000 estimated that one billion people worldwide rely on fish as their primary source of animal protein. Two decades later, and that figure has tripled to three billion – around 40% of the world’s population. Not only are fish feeding communities, they are also the basis of the livelihoods of millions.

“A consistent source of fish is essential for the nutritional and financial health of a large segment of the world’s population.” .

The importance of fish as a protein source cannot be understated. Therefore, as this key resource can be depleted, it makes sense to monitor the ecosystems that fish inhabit. Monitoring can provide early warning indicators of when fish stocks are declining, and can help to ensure continued provision of fish as a source of food and income.

Ecosystem Services

In addition to the harvest of fish for seafood, marine ecosystems provide key services and benefits. Services such as:

• Flood control
• Recreation and tourism
• Erosion control
• Transportation
• Pollution control
• Storm protection
• Carbon sequestration
• Religious significance.

Not all of these services are lost as a direct result of over-exploitation of fish stocks. However, the interconnected nature of the marine seascape means overfishing in one area can indirectly affect other parts of the seascape.

It can be seen that knock-on effects of ocean resource use quickly become challenging to monitor. However, where there is challenge, there is opportunity for growth. Thus, it can be expected that as our knowledge of ecosystem services increases, with it, our progression to sustainable ocean use will strengthen.

General methods for monitoring the marine environment include:

• Detailed stock assessments
• Radioactivity monitoring
• Monitoring of contaminants and their biological effects
• Marine litter surveys
• Measures of biodiversity
• Underwater noise