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A. Fishing The table shows fish catches (tonnes) in the Celtic Sea - Junior Cycle Geography - Question 3 - 2010
Question 3
A. Fishing The table shows fish catches (tonnes) in the Celtic Sea. | Year | Plaice | Cod | Herring | |------|--------|--------|---------| | 1997 | 1,212 | 12,... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:A. Fishing The table shows fish catches (tonnes) in the Celtic Sea - Junior Cycle Geography - Question 3 - 2010
Step 1
Describe the trend indicated by the figures in the table.
Answer
The figures in the table indicate a significant decline in fish catches from 1997 to 2007 for all fish categories listed. In 1997, the catches of Plaice were 1,212 tonnes, while Cod and Herring catches were 12,035 tonnes and 18,800 tonnes respectively. By 2007, Plaice catches had dropped to 406 tonnes, Cod to 4,287 tonnes, and Herring to 8,268 tonnes. This trend suggests decreasing fish populations and possible adverse environmental or fishing practices affecting these species.
Step 2
Explain the term ‘overfishing’.
Answer
Overfishing refers to the practice of catching fish at a rate that is faster than they can reproduce, leading to a depletion of fish stocks. This unsustainable fishing can result in significant ecological damage and the collapse of fish populations, adversely affecting the marine ecosystem and the fishing industry reliant on these stocks.
Step 3
Explain two reasons why overfishing occurs in Irish waters.
Answer
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Increased fishing pressure: The rise in demand for fish due to population growth and consumer preferences has led to more vessels and fishing activities in Irish waters, increasing the likelihood of overfishing.
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Poor fisheries management: The lack of effective regulations and enforcement in managing fish stocks can result in excessive catches. Without proper quotas and monitoring, fishing fleets may catch species beyond sustainable levels, contributing to the decline of fish populations.