Fishing grounds refer to areas in the ocean where marine fishery resources are highly concentrated. The formation of fishing grounds is closely related to the density and duration of fish schools, as well as the ecological habits of marine organisms and changes in environmental conditions.
In general, marine fishery resources are concentrated in the temperate coastal continental shelf, which is part of the continental seabed that extends from the coast to a depth of about 200 meters.
The coastal continental shelf is well-lit, allowing organisms to perform photosynthesis.
Additionally, nutrient salts from rivers entering the sea accumulate in this area, providing sufficient nutrients for plankton to grow and reproduce in large numbers, which in turn provides ample food for fish and other marine organisms. Fishing grounds are divided into different types based on actual production and management needs.
There are four types of fishing grounds, which are classified according to the distance from the fishing base to the fishing water depth. These types are:
1. Coastal fishing grounds, which are typically found near the coast with a water depth of fewer than 30 meters. Offshore fishing grounds are typically found farther from the coast with a water depth of 30 to 200 meters.
2. Deep-sea fishing grounds, which are typically found in deep waters with a water depth of 200 meters or more.
3. Offshore fishing grounds, which are typically found farther from the coast with a water depth of 30 to 200 meters.
4. Pelagic fishing grounds, which are typically found in oceanic waters beyond the continental shelf or in fishing grounds far from home bases that operate in continental shelf waters across oceans.
Due to natural and geographical factors, there are four fishing grounds with rich fishery resources in the seas of the world, which are the four largest fishing grounds in the world. Let's explore them in more detail below.
Hokkaido fishing ground
The Hokkaido fishing ground is located in the southeast waters of Hokkaido and is the center of the North Pacific fishing ground. It is the largest fishing ground in the world, with dense fish schools due to the abundance of plankton.
The Hokkaido fishing ground is located at the confluence of the warm current of Japan and the cold current of the Thousand Islands. The difference in seawater density causes the cold water with high density to sink, while the warm water with low density rises. This makes the seawater vertically turbulent and provides abundant bait for fish, making it a world-famous fishing ground.
North Sea Fishing ground
The North Sea Fishing Ground is the center of the Northeast Atlantic Fishing Ground, which is formed by the confluence of the warm current of the North Atlantic Ocean and the cold seawater from the Arctic Ocean.
The cold and warm currents meet here, and the fish is rich and varied. The North Sea fishing ground mainly produces herring, mackerel, cod, and other fish, and is one of the four largest fishing grounds in the world.
Newfoundland Fishing ground
The Newfoundland fishing ground is located off the coast of Newfoundland Island and is the center of the Northwest Atlantic fishing grounds.
It was once one of the four largest fishing grounds in the world, formed by the confluence of the cold Labrador Current and the warm Gulf Current in the waters near Newfoundland. However, due to overfishing and environmental factors, the fishery resources in this area have been severely depleted.
Peruvian Fishing ground
The Peruvian fishing ground is the center of the Southeast Pacific fishing ground and is one of the four largest fishing grounds in the world.
It is formed by the upwelling compensating current of the Peruvian Cold Current. The Peruvian fishing ground is rich in aquatic resources, including more than 800 species of fish and shellfish, such as anchovies.
Fishing grounds are crucial for the global fishing industry, and their formation depends on a variety of environmental and biological factors. By categorizing and managing them effectively, we can ensure the sustainable use of marine resources for generations to come.
