Covering The Seas - An Issue Guide

This issue guide was published by the Earth Journalism Network to assist reporters in reporting on oceans and fisheries issues. The guide takes an in-depth look at the state of the fisheries industry, the rapidly growing aquaculture business, the oceans’ environmental stressors, and potential solutions for a sustainable seafood trade. As stated in the guide, “The last century has seen dramatic changes in the exploitation of the ocean. As with terrestrial systems before it, that pattern has been one of poorly regulated expansion of wild harvest followed by similarly unregulated expansion of animal husbandry. By the outset of the 21st century it has become clear that this kind of open-ended, unregulated expansion cannot continue. If we are to achieve the goal of a stable, sustainable supply of seafood for all global citizens we must try to understand and regulate the oceans effectively. There are virtually no more new wild stocks of fish to find and exploit. Many regions have also reached their environmental carrying capacity for aquaculture. Moving forward, therefore, the goal of fishing and aquaculture as well as the goals of journalists covering these industries, is to discover and encourage solutions that work toward the stabilization of the world seafood supply.”

The guide offers detailed overviews of the fisheries industry, sections that outline where to find sources, links to further readings, journalism tips for engaging audiences, and definitions of key terminology helpful for understanding jargon.

The contents of the guide are as follows:

Why Report on the Ocean?

Seafood: Wildlife or Food?

• The Expansion of Global fishing
• The Beginnings of Reform
• Management in the Modern era
• Certification and Fleet Revision
• The Big Loophole: The High Seas and Migratory fish
• Marine Protected Areas: The Central Debate of Modern Fishing Resources

Aquaculture and Mariculture: A Sea Change

• Aquaculture and Mariculture: Scarcity Breeds Abundance
• The Beginnings of Aquaculture
• The Blue Revolution: The Rise of Modern Aquaculture
• Environmental Problems of Aquaculture
• The Emergence of Global Standards for Aquaculture
• Conclusion, Future Topics for Research

Non-fishing Environmental Factors

• Eutrophication/Hypoxia
• Estuary and salt marsh decline
• Damming/Hydropower
• Ocean Acidification
• Temperature Shifts
• Mercury, PCBs and other Industrial Pollutants
• Resources

Goals & Solutions for Ocean Problems

• Approaches for Journalists

Tips for Journalists

• Building Bridges with Audiences
• Time management & gaining access
• Common Conflicts in Sources
• Conclusion & Future Topics for Research