Physical Factors of Fisheries - Commercial Geography - Chapter 3: Fisheries

 

Q1: What are the physical factors governing the fisheries distribution in the world?

Answer:

Physical Factors of Fisheries:

Following are the physical factors which influence the fisheries distribution throughout the world.

1.    1. Shallow Coastal Areas of Seas:

Rivers carry nutrient-rich soil with them and deposit it where they flow into the sea. This soil provides many benefits to the marine environment.

          i. Shallow Sea-bed:

The continuous deposition of sandy soil brought by rivers makes the sea beds shallower.

         ii. Nutritive for Fish and Sea Life:

River soil contains rich nutrients that support fish, lobsters, prawns, rays, and various other marine creatures, including small sea animals.

iii. Suitable to Build Fish Farms:

These shallow areas become ideal for establishing fish farms, such as lobster farms, prawn farms, and others.

iv. Availability of Sunlight and Oxygen for Sea Life:

Shallow seas provide plenty of sunlight and oxygen, allowing marine life to thrive and grow rapidly.

             v. Example of Shallow Seas:

North Sea Grand bank US (37000 square miles of areas of USA)

2.    2. Climate:

The cool climate of the temperate zone is ideal for the fishing industry. In this environment, fish reproduce effectively and grow in large numbers.

In cooler climates, fish can stay fresh for a longer time before being canned and exported. Fish from these regions are rich in protein, tasty, and make excellent food. In contrast, fish from hot climates and equatorial regions are oily and cannot be easily preserved, canned, or exported.

As a result, the fishing industry does not develop well in such regions.

3.   3. Turbulent Region:

      "Turbulent" refers to the scattered and uneven movement of sea waves. This turbulence helps in the accumulation of two types of plankton.

    i. Phytoplankton:

They are passive plants or vegetative particles that float in the water.

   ii. Zooplankton:

These are animal-like plankton that feed on phytoplankton and thrive as a result. They are consumed by various fish, such as haddock, bluefish, tuna, sole, and other sea mammals. Zooplanktons reproduce and propagate their own kind.

Turbulent water is important for two key processes.

a.    Current Mingling

b.    Upwelling

        a. Current Mingling:

In various parts of the oceans, where hot and cold currents clash, foggy conditions can form and large icebergs may be carried along. This makes it challenging for fishing boats to navigate and catch fish.

  Advantages of Current Mingling:

-  The mingling of such currents helps mix fish nutrients in large quantities, which supports the growth of fish populations. Two notable incidents of current mingling are important in this context.

- Labrador current mingles with Warm Gulf stream near the Grand Banks

- The Cold Kamachatka current mixes with warm Japanese current away from the coast-line of Japan

-  The mingling of different currents aids in the mixing of chemicals such as phosphates, nitrates, and carbonates. Carbon dioxide and oxygen from the air, combined with sunlight, promote the production of phytoplankton, which is beneficial for fish growth.

b.    Upwelling:

       The process where water from the sea bed rises to the surface while surface water moves downward is called upwelling. This brings fish nutrients from the sea bottom to the surface, enriching the water and promoting the production of phytoplankton.

 

4.    4. Undulated Coastal-Line:

       Because of its undulating coastline, North East Asia is a perfect place for many kinds of fishery schools. Thus, the fishing sector thrives along these coasts. 

   5. Fish Food:

       As was previously mentioned, zooplanktons consume several types of phytoplankton, which are found in fish meal. Small fish like herring, haddock, tuna, and so forth consume the later. Large fish and some aquatic animals consume these fish.

 

6.    6. Nature of Land:

      Fishing and the fishing industry are also influenced by the physical characteristics of the land. Two aspects are mentioned.

          a. Topography of Land 

              Due to their topography, Norway and Newfoundland are unsuitable for agriculture; as a result, the people there rely on the fishing industry for a living.

          b. Nearness to Forest

              The forests that grow around coastlines are very helpful in providing wood for building fish boats and other structures, as well as canning and packing materials. Moreover, as leaves and other vegetative materials combine in the water, they eventually produce phytoplankton, which are a vital source of nutrients for fish and other aquatic life.