An Irish Angler's World

1. The Seas and Oceans cover seventy percent of the surface area of the Earth.
2. The Oceans and Seas of the World are not separate entities they are connected and represent one large ecosystem.
3. A healthy World needs a healthy Ocean.
4. Our Seas and Oceans regulate our climate. Large Ocean currents such as the Gulf Stream transfer heat from the equator towards the poles.  As a balance cold water currents move from the poles towards the equator. This process can be termed the Ocean Conveyor Belt.
5. Sea fish are the primary source of protein for eighteen percent of the Worlds population today.
6. Global warming is changing the chemical composition of our Seas and Oceans. They are becoming less saline due to the introduction of large amounts of freshwater from the shrinking polar icecaps.
7. Increases in salinity by altering Ocean chemistry effects the function of Ocean currents, and correspondingly, how they influence climate change.
8. Changes in Salinity and global Ocean currents will have a detrimental effect on marine biodiversity as we know it today. The habitat range of species may alter and extinctions could occur. Climate change + Industrial fishing equates to a marine biological time bomb.
9. There is no doubt that man through his interference is speeding up certain negative influences that the marine environment is experiencing at present. Removing large amounts of biomass, such as the North Atlantic Cod stock, for commercial gain before assessing the implications of such action is regrettable, and would not be tolerated in any other circumstance.
10. Out of sight is out of mind. If all the Zebras and Antelope were removed from the Serengeti game reserve there would be an international outcry. Unfortunately Cod are underwater and out of sight. They, and all other endangered marine creatures, also have to deal with commercial interests linked to political fear and ineptitude, along with public ignorance.
11. The key to saving the marine environment is an informed public, shouting out that global environmental mismanagement, sanctioned by commercial and political interests, will no longer be tolerated.

See also: Celtic Sea Cod, a Barometer for Sea Fisheries Mismanagement.

See also: Taking Stock of a Missed Opportunity.

See also: The Humble Cod Has a Colourful History.

See also: Back to the Future.

See also: Ireland’s Sea Fishing Industry Today.

See also: The Cawley Report on the Irish Seafood Industry.

See also: An Angler’s Tale.