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Consider the following statements about the practice of light fishing:
1. It is most commonly used in the monsoon season when fish abundance is at its peak.
2. It can interfere with the natural reproductive cycles of marine species.
3. It increases the risk of biodiversity loss by attracting non-target marine species.
Which of the above statements are correct?
- a) 1 and 2 only
- b) 2 and 3 only
- c) 1 and 3 only
- d) 1, 2 and 3
Solution: b)
- Light fishing is a practice that uses artificial lighting to attract fish toward nets or traps, and while it increases short-term catch efficiency, it raises several ecological concerns.
- Statement 1 is incorrect — light fishing is not typically practiced during the monsoon, when sea conditions are rough and fish populations are naturally abundant. Instead, it is predominantly used during lean fishing months, especially between December and February, when fish catch is low. The artificial attraction of fish during these periods boosts economic returns but comes at a cost.
- Statement 2 is correct — artificial lights can disrupt the natural behavioral and reproductive cycles of marine organisms. Many fish species rely on natural light cues for spawning, migration, and feeding rhythms, and the presence of continuous artificial light can lead to physiological stress or failure to spawn.
- Statement 3 is also correct — artificial lights attract not only target species but a wide range of marine life, including juveniles and non-target species, thereby increasing the incidence of bycatch and contributing to biodiversity loss in marine ecosystems.
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