Tag Archives: fisheries biologist Ray Hilborn

Fisheries in Focus: Busting misconceptions about bottom trawling and its environmental impacts

In a new review paper published in the ICES Journal of Marine Science, researchers argue that well-managed bottom trawling produces sustainable and environmentally friendly food. A review paper is a roundup of all the latest info on a topic – a deep dive into a pool of research papers to pull out the most important aspects. In this case, Hilborn et al., 2023 went over all recent research on the environmental impacts of bottom trawling and boiled them down to four major impacts: Sustainability of target species, Impact on the seafloor, Bycatch and discards, Carbon emissions. The review also compared bottom-trawled seafood to other forms of food production. It concluded that well-managed bottom trawling can produce food with less environmental impact than chicken or pork production. Good, effective management is the key. >click to read< 11:44

Speaking of Greenpeace, Even in fish science, payers may sway players

clownsMany scientists, conservationists and policy makers who’ve been perplexed and vexed by Hilborn’s industry-friendly advocacy in debates about reauthorizing our federal fisheries law, or California’s process to create a network of marine protected areas, or seafood sustainability, have been surprised—but maybe not too surprised—to learn the extent of Hilborn’s industry ties. – Yesterday Carl Safina, and John Hocevar, Oceans Campaign Director for Greenpeace USA put up an op-ed on NatGeo, referencing research funding specifically relating to UW fisheries biologist Ray Hilborn. The premise is that Hilborn didn’t disclose funding sources for some of his research, which seems to be a sticking point for the doom and gloomers that receive funding from Pew Charitable Trust to push Pews anti-fishing agenda. Read Even in fish science, payers may sway players, click here While we’re at it, lets look at some of Carl’s funding, click here  No need to look at Greenpeace funding because, Greenpeace has been working to protect people and planet since 1971. The organization does not accept corporate or government funding. Wink! 12:27