Fishermen from East Coast U.S. and Atlantic Canada ports get little amount of fish because marine mammals such as whales, seals and dolphin consume far more fish and shellfish. The species these marine mammals consume are the same fishermen catch. This made the seafood expensive and difficult to find in the market.
It is found that the populations of marine mammals are increasing dramatically. While the important fish stocks remain low despite of several restriction programmes on fishing. It is evident when the familiar local fish like cod and flounder are replaced by unfamiliar species from all over the world.
Marine mammal predation is the main reason behind the dwindling stocks of familiar fish. According to the 2004 U.S. Ocean Commission Report everything that impacts fish populations are identified and measured, and the fish, or more accurately the ecosystems that support them, are managed accordingly.
Managing commercial fishermen by only focusing on controlling fishing is not the only way out. Marine scientists have sufficient knowledge to identify what natural and anthropogenic factors affect fish stocks. Managing fishery in a well manner then the ecosystem based management must consider other important factors that they have been ignoring till now.
