Overfishing and the Consequences: Our Oceans, Our Job

"The ocean is like a chequing account where everybody withdraws but nobody makes a deposit. This is what's happening because of overfishing." - Enric Sala

We previously discussed what is overfishing and destructive fishing practices and their effects and impacts on the marine environment. In todays post we are going to discuss some of the ways in which we can help replenish fish stocks and coral life in the ocean. Before we start do you have any ideas on how we can accomplish this?

How can we help?
One way in which we can help replenish our oceans is by a process called aquaculture. Aquaculture is the rearing of both marine and fresh water fish and other animals. There are two principle types of aquaculture, mari culture and pisciculture.
Pisciculture is a process by which fish are cultivated and sold for domestic or commercial use and involves the growing of fish in tanks or ponds. (source)

Fig1: Photo showing the way ponds are set up for the growing of fresh water fish (source)

Mari culture, however, is the farming of marine plants and animals in salt water. Enclosures are set up in the ocean that house the fish. (source)

Fig2: Enclosures for Mari culture (source)

Coral farming is another method used to help rebuild our oceans. This occurs when fragments of coral are collected, raised under controlled variables or conditions and then installed in areas where coral has been previously damaged. Coral farming and gardening are almost the same, the only difference is that one occurs underwater while the other occurs on land. After the coral has matured it is placed in its new home by restoration divers. (source)