Conservation and The Impact on Spearfishing

Conservation and The Impact on Spearfishing

The concept of conservation is often an area of conversation within spearfishing. The concept of a well maintained fishery is getting more attention every year. Those most familiar  recognize spearfishing as the most selective method of harvesting fish. Generally, spearfishing results in zero by-catch. For the most part divers have the opportunity to pick what they intend to harvest.  Conservation efforts can have both positive and negative impacts to diving and spearfishing. Here are some movements that are currently getting attention in areas of conservation. 

30 By 30

The Stated Goal

The Natural Resource Defense Council, or NRDC, jump-started the 30 by 30 initiative. The NRDC is an environmental group that was founded in 1970 by a group of lawyers and law students. The stated goal of this initiative is to “protecting 30 percent of the world’s land, and 30 percent of the world’s oceans, by 2030” (nrdc.org).

Preserves, Reserves, and Protected Areas

The NRDC is pushing for preserves, would would prevent the harvesting of wildlife and game. The NRDC is just a group making proposals. They are not in any way able to enforce this goal. The decisions are enforced when organizations like these get portions of their goal put into bills. The verbiage can be changed and adjusted, so it is important for voters to become informed on what they are voting for, or what their politicians are voting for. Some terms to become more familiar with is the difference between a preserve and a reserve. Preserves have more restrictive rules about access and use compared to reserves.

How 30 by 30 can be Good

Not everything about this initiative is problematic. Just about everyone that dives and spearfishes want more fish and cleaner waters. We need to help protect and improve the environment to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy it. We choose whether we want the government to mandate how that is done. Alternatively, we can adopt the terms in which we manage our fisheries and environment. The heart of this initiative has that as a goal. 

How 30 by 30 can Have a Negative Impact

You can make the argument that protected areas have more benefit and allow overflow of species. At the end of the day it limits you from the most environmentally sound method of harvesting fish. It is important to improve where we spearfish and the environment as a whole, but it needs to happen in a way that benefits everyone. 

Captains for Clean Water

An organization that may be more practical is Captains For Clean Waters which is a non-profit company taking actions to try and improve water quality at the state level. Their stated goal is “work to advance science-based solutions through efforts focused on awareness and education, empowering people like you to speak up for our water quality and hold elected officials accountable” (captainsforcleanwater.org). Their focus is on educating the public on making good decisions and holding people accountable and companies accountable. They operate at a more local level and clearly have a greater focus in the State of Florida. With that said there are countless of similar organizations working to improve their own local area all over the world. 

In short, you should seek out solid organizations that have your interests at heart. Make informed decisions.