RNR 1001 : Renewable Natural Resources Notes Test 3
Document Summary
In addition to freshwater, marine, and wetland ecosystem services, aquatic ecosystems around the planet provide a huge diversity of fisheries resources. Many commercially and recreationally exploited fish and invertebrates stocks declined during the 19th and 20th centuries. In addition, many non-exploited aquatic species also declined in abundance from habitat loss and degradation. Fisheries are an excellent example of a renewable resource: stocks increase each year from growth and reproduction, sustainable harvests maintain the principal . Historic trends in many fish stocks illustrate the law of the commons. An important part of fisheries conservation has been the ownership of resources by governments: development of management and research agencies, controlling effort of primary importance, harvest, fishers, boats, gear, season, area. Aquatic habitats and the characteristics of fishes and invertebrates provide opportunities to managers but can also limit c&m options: high density- movement difficult (stress, temperature/ do- stress in poikilotherms, fishes are open to the environment.
