History of Marine Animal Populations

www.hmapcoml.orgLing length compositions sources: 1800s: R.T. Poulsen 2007; modern data: courtesy O. A. Bergstad 2007. Past and Present source: B. Poulsen 2008

Past and Present

Danish pelagic trawler 2010:HG 333 Isafold, HirtshalsCrew: 10-11 menAnnual catch potential: >50,000 tonnes

Size of Dutch herring fleet in 1640:700-800 herring busses Crew: 11,000-12,000 menTotal annual catch: 50,000 tonnes

Credit: Reinier Nooms, alias ‘De Zeeman’ (ca 1623-1664), Etch, Harinck-Buisen, ca 1640-1664, Collection Visserijmuseum/Vlaardings Museum, Vlaardingen).

Photo: Bo Poulsen

The Big Fish are GoneFisheries made early and dramatic changes to ecosystems worldwide.

Example: North Sea Ling are smaller because of fishing.

Average size caught: 60 - 90 cm.

Average size caught: 89 - 126 cm.

Average size caught: 77 - 103 cm.

Year 1890

Year 1915

Year 1990

126 cm.

103 cm.

90 cm.

Author: K.P.Pravato, P. Holm, R. T. Poulsen and B. Poulsen