Through OTN, thousands of commercial and endangered marine species will be tagged to help improve fishing practices and better understand the oceans. Knowing where fish actually travel means that it’s easier to designate new marine protected areas, set shipping routes and approve oil and gas exploration.
Atlantic Salmon
(Photo courtesy Gilbert van Ryckevorsel)
No one really knows how far and wide many marine species travel. In fact, what we know so far is that their travel ability is shocking and that many endanger themselves by swimming in and out of protected zones. Without a detailed picture, it’s impossible to put effective fishery management programs in place. For example, the Atlantic salmon – enjoyed by so many people for its wonderful flavour and powerful health benefits – is on its way to becoming an endangered species. There is not enough information about its migratory patterns to figure out why it’s disappearing and how to protect it.
