Fishing is the activity of catching fish in different ways for commercial and recreational purposes. The activity is a source of food with high protein nutrients compared with other animals (Duda, Jones, & Criscione, 2010). Catching fish can be done through different methods. Despite the benefits associated with fishing, the activity has several disadvantages.
Today, fishing is often run either as a family or corporate business for getting profit. Commercial (also known as industrial) fishing is done to catch fish and sell it for profit. But sometimes this business is not able to generate significantly big profits because of the dwindling fish stocks and strong competition within the industry. To satisfy the increasing demand for fish, companies use trawlers that let them enlarge the quantity of catch.
Trawling involves using nets that are pulled along the bottom of the sea to catch different types of fish. The use of modern communication equipment such as contemporary electronics to detect the presence of fish makes modern trawling effective. Here, Duda et al. (2010) note that recreational fishing or sports fishing can be done for competition or pleasure. Recreational fishing is done with a hook, line, rod, or reel. For terminal tackling swivels, floats, and weights are used. Sometimes, fishers also substitute baits for plastic lures. Besides, some can make artificial flies catch fish without using a hook.
A cold storage condition is necessary to keep the fish fresh. Modern storage facilities include refrigerated seawater, ice, and freezing blocks (Pauly, 2010). However, fish can undergo preliminary processing through washing and sorting equipment. Fish undergoes preliminary processing to produce canned fish, fish oil, and fish meal. The main aim of the entire process is to ensure that the fish is fit for human consumption (Pauly, 2010). Sometimes people prefer to eat fresh fish.
The process involves placing fish in cold, clean, and freshwater to keep it alive. In some countries such as China, it is usually kept in floating cages where the temperature is controlled, water filtered, and continuously replaced to keep it fresh and clean. However, once the fish has been taken out of the water, different techniques are used to inhibit bacterial activities that lead to spoilage and shorter shelf life.
Many families and corporate entities get involved in fishing as a recreational activity and for their livelihood. However, this process has its advantages and disadvantages. The advantages include recreation and self-fulfillment. People fish for fun, to improve their health, for self-esteem, and as a hobby (Duda et al., 2010). This kind of pastime enables people to feel better, improve their skills, create social bonds when they meet at fishing points and is used as a source of food.
Fishing activities reduce boredom, fatigue, and enhance patience. On the other hand, this kind of activity can cause environmental pollution, especially if fishers use chemicals such as cyanide to catch fish (Duda et al., 2010). Also, commercial fishing such as bottom trawling is extremely damaging to the environment in heavily fished areas. Trawlers remove sea plants and algae on coral rocks and the damage lasts for many years.
In conclusion, fishing is an activity that is practiced for recreation and commercial purposes. And despite the advantages and disadvantages of fishing, this activity remains popular.
References
Duda, M. D., Jones, M. F., & Criscione, A. (2010). Sportsman’s Voice: Hunting and Fishing in America. New York: Venture Publishers. Web.
Pauly, D. (2010). 5 Easy Pieces: How Fishing Impacts Marine Ecosystems. New York: Island Press. Web.