A current revelation by an skilled from the Middle East Technical University (METU) has make clear the environmental influence of fishing in Türkiye, indicating that each kilogram of fish caught within the nation ends in 3 kilograms of carbon emissions.
The skilled, Ekin Akoğlu from METU’s Marine Sciences Institute, has recommended adopting nature-friendly fishing strategies to mitigate this influence.
Akoğlu informed Anadolu Agency (AA), “The food sector contributes significantly to global carbon emissions, accounting for approximately 25% to 30% of the total, with fishing alone responsible for 4% of these emissions, according to data from the European Commission.”
The skilled famous that Türkiye boasts a substantial fishing business, with 15,000 boats and 35,000 people working on this sector. In current years, the nation has witnessed the catch of round 200,000 tons of fish yearly, with anchovies comprising almost 60% of this complete.
Akoğlu emphasised the significance of sure fish species for Türkiye’s seas, saying: “Anchovy and sardines are crucial species, while bonito, sprat, horse mackerel, bluefish, codfish and whiting are among the most significant sea catches. In inland waters, pearl mullet and carp are prominent, although some species such as mackerel, swordfish, snakefish, tuna and Mediterranean mussels are under threat of disappearing in certain areas.”
Regarding carbon emissions, Akoğlu identified that industrial fishing actions, significantly these involving trawlers and purse seine boats, contribute considerably. These vessels use high-strength nets, inflicting appreciable environmental influence.
Akoğlu warned that the consequences of carbon emissions, together with world warming and ocean acidification, may result in vital modifications in marine ecosystems by 2050. He highlighted that acidification poses a specific risk to marine creatures with calcareous or chitin-structured shells, equivalent to mussels and shrimp.
Akoğlu expressed concern over the fast ecosystem modifications, stating: “The ecosystem’s current state is fragile and on the brink of collapse. It’s as delicate as a house of cards; a simple blow could bring it down.”
He highlighted the dwindling meals provide within the fishing sector, resulting in elevated carbon emissions. “With fewer fish available, fishermen need to exert more effort to catch less, releasing more carbon in the process,” Akoğlu defined.
To tackle these points, Akoğlu emphasised the necessity for environmentally pleasant fishing practices, supporting conventional strategies over industrial-scale operations. He recommended utilizing extremely selective gear to cut back unintended catches and selling passive fishing strategies like gill nets and longlines.
Akoğlu additionally confused the significance of managing fish shares responsibly and incentivizing small-scale coastal fishing whereas discouraging large-scale industrial fishing.
He concluded by advocating for earnings stability for fishermen and implementing buy-back applications for these wishing to exit industrial fishing, emphasizing the necessity for collective efforts to make sure sustainable fishing practices.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
