Fishing, the well-loved hobby of many outdoor enthusiasts, may actually be damaging the very shoreline ecosystems that they enjoy. The study by Amanda C. O’Toole, Kyle C. Hanson and Steven J. Cooke, recently published in the journal Environmental Management shows how the beaches of Ottawa, Ontario and Gatineau, Quebec are being swamped by anglers enjoying an escape to the great outdoors. Factors such as soil and water quality, fish and plant populations and abundance of litter were measured in various popular fishing regions. Three out of these five factors showed that environmental degradation does occur in high traffic areas.
From July 16 to 27 in 2007 the researchers from Carleton University found fourteen good fishing sites with the help of local fishermen. Then comparative sites twenty-five meters away along the same shoreline were chosen as a model of what the area would be like without human interference. The contrasts were disturbing. In the well-known fishing areas plant diversity and abundance, and soil quality were poor along the shorelines. The passage of many feet has worn fertile shores into compacted, barren landscapes susceptible to erosion and other degrading factors. (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) The surrounding aquatic habitat did not show such a startling difference, however it can be expected that with the degradation of the shorelines, the water will soon follow. Aquatic plants and shoreline plants contribute to water clarity and dissolved oxygen, (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) so as the plants disappear so will fish stocks.
Most saddening was the abundance of garbage found in angling destinations. While nothing was found in the control sites, nine-hundred times the amount of fishing line was found in fishing areas, as well as other forms of angling and non-angling related litter. (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) Styrofoam worm containers were even found despite the deposit that has recently been placed on them by a local fish supply store.
So what can we do to protect our shorelines? O’Toole, Hanson and Cooke call for increased awareness of this sensitive riparian ecosystem. Hopefully knowledge of the damage being done will spur nature lovers into protecting their weekend getaway spots. (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) Decreased packaging on fishing gear, easy access to garbage cans and even man-made docks would also assist in the protection of this aquatic resource.
Studies on the ecological effects of freshwater fishing are relatively new. Usually researchers are more concerned with the direct effect of the angler on the fish or fish community, not the damage done to the surrounding environment. (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) Yet it is that environment that maintains plentiful fish populations. This new form of study shows that “there is a need for information on the potential environmental consequences of recreational fishing to ensure that the ecologic integrity of riparian systems is maintained.” (O’Toole, Hanson, Cooke, 2009) By protecting the surrounding area, the public of Canada’s capital can enjoy angling for many years to come.
- Amy Adair
0660106
References
O'Toole, A. C., Hanson, K. C., & Cooke*, S. J. (2009). The effect of shoreline recreational angling
activities on aquatic and riparian habitat within an urban environment: Implications for
conservation and management. Environmental Management, 44(2), 324-334.
doi:10.1007/s00267-009-9299-3
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Very good, article.
ReplyDeleteI was very impressed about how you clearly presented the problem and included who was involved in the problem. Your points were very well organized, which aloud my self to clearly understand the research without reading the primary article.
As well you did a good job telling the audience how the procedure of the research experiment in the primary article was conducted.
I enjoyed the topic of your blog,
good Job!
Kendra Bester
The introduction to your blog is a great hook. It seamlessly combines a beloved past time with the concerns of today's world. Usually when I think about fishing, I think of any direct harm to the fish. After reading this article, I will also think of any fishing-related actions that may harm an ecosystem (as well as the fish themselves). The format for this blog allows the reader to easily understand what happened in the study. Thus, they are more likely to take an interest in the subject.
ReplyDelete