Explain why legal quotas are used as a conservation measure for commercial fishing, and describe one other method that can be used to conserve an endangered fish species.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Many species of fish, such as the Atlantic cod, have become endangered due to overfishing. Conservation organisations and governments work together to protect these species from extinction.
Model answer (4 marks)
Legal quotas limit the amount of fish that can be removed from the environment.
This allows fish populations to recover and reproduce faster than they are removed, making the resource sustainable.
One other method is the creation of protected marine areas.
In these areas fishing is restricted or prohibited, which protects breeding habitats and allows fish stocks to rebuild.
This allows fish populations to recover and reproduce faster than they are removed, making the resource sustainable.
One other method is the creation of protected marine areas.
In these areas fishing is restricted or prohibited, which protects breeding habitats and allows fish stocks to rebuild.
Examiner tips
- Use the word "limit" to show understanding of quotas. Explain the cause–effect relationship between quotas and population recovery. Name a specific alternative method and describe its conservation benefit. Keep answers concise and use exam‑style terminology.
Common mistakes
- Failing to mention that quotas reduce over‑exploitation. Describing a method that is not a conservation measure (e.g. marketing). Using vague phrases like "protect the fish" without explaining how.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Legal quotas limit the amount of fish that can be removed from the environment
- This allows fish populations to recover / reproduce faster than they are removed, making the resource sustainable
- Names a valid alternative conservation method (e.g. captive breeding programme, monitoring, education, protected areas)
- Correct description of how the named method helps conserve the endangered species
Key terms in this question
legal quotas · conservation · endangered
Related
- All Cambridge International IGCSE Biology (0610) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Explain" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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