Marine fisheries play a vital role in the global marine industry. Currently, the world's oceans are internationally divided into 16 major fishing areas.

These areas are further classified into four primary fishing grounds based on the abundance of fishery resources: the North Pacific fishery, the Northeast Atlantic fishery, the Northwest Atlantic fishery, and the Peruvian coastal fishery.

Fishing grounds often have specific limitations, either within a certain water layer or a particular sea area, and sometimes even limited to specific time periods.

These limitations depend primarily on the density and duration of fish schools, as well as the biological characteristics, ecological habits of fish, and changes in environmental conditions. Thus, the following conditions must be met for an area to be considered a fishing ground:

1. Fish aggregation: Fishing grounds must exhibit characteristics of fish aggregation, where fish gather in relatively high densities within a specific water layer or location. Several factors contribute to fish aggregation, such as water temperature, currents, bottom topography, and plankton presence.

2. Duration: The formation of fishing grounds also depends on the duration of fish aggregation. Some fisheries may exist only during specific seasons or periods, while others may be more long-term. This duration is influenced by factors such as fish migration habits, breeding seasons, and environmental changes.

3. Economically valuable marine species: Fishing grounds typically encompass marine biological resources that hold significant economic value, such as various fish species, shellfish, and crustaceans.

These economically valuable marine species are crucial for the fishing industry and marine-related sectors, as they are harvested for food consumption or industrial purposes.

4.Biological characteristics and ecological habits: The marine animals constituting the fishery must possess certain biological characteristics and ecological habits. For instance, they may exhibit distinct migratory behaviors and tend to reproduce and thrive under specific water temperatures, salinities, or other environmental conditions.

Now let's explore the world's four major fishing grounds in more detail.

Hokkaido fishing ground

The Hokkaido fishing ground is situated in the vicinity where the Chishimba cold current and the Japanese cold current meet.

The convergence of warm and cold currents causes turbulence in the seawater, facilitating the upward movement of sea salts and other nutrients. This phenomenon leads to a rapid reproduction of organisms on the seabed.

Peruvian fishery

The Peruvian fishing ground is located in the coastal waters of Peru and is formed due to the upwelling of the compensatory current associated with the Peruvian cold current.

The Peruvian cold current is one of the world's most potent ocean currents, originating off the southern coast of Chile. The strong cold current in Peru brings a substantial amount of nutrients to the sea surface, resulting in the formation of the Peruvian fishing ground.

Newfoundland fishing grounds

The Newfoundland fishing ground is situated in the sea off the coast of Newfoundland, Canada, where the warm Gulf Stream meets the cold Labrador Current. The primary fish species found in this area is cod.

North Sea fishing ground

The North Sea Fishing Ground benefits from the convergence of cold and warm currents, creating a favorable environment for fish survival. This region boasts rich aquatic resources, with herring and sardines being the primary fish species found here.

Fishing grounds are crucial components of the marine industry. They possess specific characteristics, including fish aggregation, duration of fish presence, economically valuable marine species, and the biological and ecological attributes of the fishery.

Understanding and protecting these fishing grounds are essential for sustainable fishing practices and the preservation of marine ecosystems.