Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
European Union fishing fleets has had devastating socioeconomic effects on
coastal fishing communities in eastern Canada (Roughgarden and Smith
1996). Moreover, this fishery will take generations of human lives to recover
to economic viability, if it recovers at all.This example illustrates how cur-
rent exploitation and loss of species has limited the options for resource use
by future generations.
The European Union fleets, in turn, have shifted their exploitation to the
coasts of western Africa and now threaten to diminish fish stocks there.
These fleets compete heavily with local Africans, especially in Ghana, who
rely on fisheries for protein. Diminishing protein supplies from overfishing
has increased demand for protein from other sources, primarily forest mam-
mal species.This has lead to a lucrative but unsustainable bushmeat trade.
Together, the exploitation of fisheries and mammal species has threatened
many species populations in this region with imminent collapse.The con-
sequences of collapse may be felt immediately in the form of widespread
human poverty and food insecurity in the region (Brashares et al. 2004).
With the diminishing stocks, European Union fleets may be forced once
again to move elsewhere. It is easy and quite logical to reason that the ef-
fects of attendant, unsustainable fishing will eventually come full circle to
impact Europeans' ability to meet
their own protein demands.
Precautionary approaches to re-
source exploitation require thinking
through which interdependent
species will ultimately be impacted
and how this will alter the character
and complexion of ecosystems when
our children and grandchildren in-
herit the planet. It also recognizes that
exploitation must be undertaken with sensitivity and respect for the liveli-
hood and dignity of all human societies (Ludwig et al. 2001) and to mini-
mize the risk of long-term negative consequences of the impacts.Taking a
precautionary approach means that our definitions of prosperity must in-
clude maintaining a sustainable natural economy in addition to sustaining
a market economy. It also means that ecologists, as scientists, must develop
methods and approaches that better support precautionary decisions mak-
ing in policy and management.
Taking a precautionary approach
means that our definitions of pros-
perity must include maintaining a
sustainable natural economy in
addition to sustaining a
market economy.
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