Fish

Polity Resources Series

by Elizabeth R. DeSombre, J. Samuel Barkin

Fishing has played a vital role in human history and culture. But today this key resource faces a serious crisis as most species are being overfished or fished to their very limit. Governments have tried to tackle the problem with limited success. Many of their actions have been counterproductive or ineffective. What will happen to global fisheries, and the populations that depend on them, as we continue to catch more fish than the oceans can reproduce? This book explores the causes of the current crisis in the world's fisheries, and what needs to be done to address the situation. It explains the structure of the fishing industry, the incentives that persuade individuals or companies to catch fish at unsustainable levels, and illuminates the problems created by governmental efforts to use fishing policy as a tool for economic development or to win votes in domestic elections. It also looks at the role of aquaculture in either decreasing or increasing the pressure on wild fish stocks.

The dire condition of fish stocks has led governments and consumer organizations to consider new approaches to protect the global supply of fish. DeSombre and Barkin conclude by showing how such methods, along with new forms of international regulation and informed decision-making by consumers, all have an important part to play in rewarding and thus encouraging sustainable fishing behaviour in the future.

202 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 7, 2011

About the author

Elizabeth R. DeSombre is Camilla Chandler Frost Professor of Environmental Studies and Director of the Environmental Studies Program at Wellesley College. She is the author of Flagging Standards: Globalization and Environmental, Safety, and Labor Regulations at Sea (MIT Press, 2006) and other books.

Reviews

[Samaa · Rating 3 out of 5]

As someone who cares about the environment, the hard thing about books like these is that you know that you’re going to feel awful about yourself/your consumption habits/the way the world is after reading. This book was very interesting and engaging; at times a bit repetitive, but was effective in driving points home. I liked the last chapter a lot, because I felt like I might be able to do something to alleviate some of the inevitable doom and gloom. It’s hard, like I said, because I left this book feeling somewhat personally empowered, but generally disappointed that overall systems of power would not change.

[Hannah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good for what it is, just a little repetitive and not the most engaging thing ever. Very informative, that's for sure.