Indications of impoverishment in the Adriatic Sea a consequence of too intensive fishing

Abstract

              The introduction and the first chapter of this paper contains general conside­rations relative to the problem of impoverishment in marine basins. The author, exposing some diametrically opposite opinions of both empiricists and theoreticians, sides with the former, that is he accepts the view that the Adriatic Sea has seriously been impoverished. In order to justify his view, the author offers a historical cross section of exploitation of marine basins and tries to determine the meaning of the terms »overfishing« and »impoverishment«.

              The indications of impoverishment in marine basins are grouped by the autor in a) direct, and b) indirect indications.               

                                                a) Direct indications:

1. Thinned populations in the submarine areas along the shore and the banks. (Examples are quoted, substantiated by statements made by experienced fishermen and students of the problem as well as by statistical data).
2. Seriously thinned populations of the species Serranellus cabrilla and Serranellus scriba;
3. Extremely rare occurrence of tuna fish in the sounds and channels;
4. Disappearance of flatfish and shrimp;
5. Thin settlements of Conger conger;
6. Impoverishment of flat bottom areas in the waters lying at a distance from the shore (trawling grounds).

                                                 b) Indirect indications:

1. Increasing seaward distance of fishing operations;
2. Disappearance of the once known fishing centres;
3. Reduced number or complete disappearance of some types of fishing gear.

             Having thus enumerated the indications of impoverishment, the author deals with the causes that produced it, offering also the relative documentation. The causes are the following:

1. Too many fishermen and types of fishing gear employed in the submarine areas along the shore and the banks;
2. Underwater gun;
3. Use of explosives;
4. The increased officacy of various types of fishing gear and fishing techniques;
5. Growing pressure of the fleet of Italian trawlers;
6. Liberal fisheries regulations.

              The paper closes with seven conclusions that may be summarized as follows:

1. Fisheries statistics should be greatly improved;
2. Regulations should be revised;
3. The theoretical knowledge should be in close touch with practical problems;
4. The Yugoslav part should enter into contact with its Italian counterpart;
5. An attempt should be made to limit the number of fishing gear units within a unit of surface;
6. The principle regarding the seas and oceans as »one great fishing ground« should be restricted;
7. The fisheries supervision should be held in the hands of authorities enforcing maritime laws.