Explain how sustainable fisheries help to maintain fish stocks for future generations.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Fish are an important source of protein for millions of people worldwide. Without careful management, fish populations can be severely depleted by overfishing.
Model answer (4 marks)
Fishing quotas restrict the total amount of fish that can be taken in a season, preventing over‑catch.
Regulating net size or using larger mesh nets lets smaller, younger fish escape.
This allows immature fish to survive, grow and reach breeding age.
Consequently fish populations can recover and are not depleted, ensuring stocks for future generations.
Regulating net size or using larger mesh nets lets smaller, younger fish escape.
This allows immature fish to survive, grow and reach breeding age.
Consequently fish populations can recover and are not depleted, ensuring stocks for future generations.
Examiner tips
- Use the exact phrases from the mark scheme (quotas, mesh size, immature fish, breeding age).
- Show the causal chain: quota → escape of young fish → reproduction → stock maintenance.
Common mistakes
- Confusing quotas with fishing bans; not mentioning net size or mesh size.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Fishing quotas limit the number/mass of fish that can be caught (in a given period)
- Controlling net size / using larger mesh nets allows smaller/younger fish to escape
- This allows young/immature fish to survive and reach breeding age / reproduce
- So fish populations are maintained / fish stocks can recover / are not depleted for future generations
Key terms in this question
sustainable fisheries · fish stocks · sustainable
Related
- Revision notes: Food production (Bio only) →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →