Historical Review of the Management Approach to Exploitation and Introduction in SCOL Lakes

Abstract

Though environmental deterioration and destruction has always concerned fishery biologists, much of their scientific and technical activities have been related to understanding and managing direct fisheries harvests, to "improving" fisheries resources through introductions of non-native species, and to assisting the reproductive process of valued stocks with a hatchery program. The history of these approaches in western countries is sketched by time periods as follows: pre-1840, gradually developing science and technology with intensifying direct exploitation; 1840–70, human food shortages in Europe, spreading of artificial propagation and development of hatchery and stocking techniques; 1870–1900, extensive introductions of non-native species, intensified exploitation because of technological advances and market forces, great expansion of artificial propagation; 1900–45, fluctuation in exploitation partly related to the socioeconomic aspects of world wars; 1945–60, conventional hatcheries closing, new fishing gear technology, more intense exploitation, growing concerns about pollution and eutrophication; 1960–70, "back to conservation" movement.