|
By Caren Ekrich
That is the question I've been pondering lately. As a marine biologist, I've always chosen not to feed wildlife, fish included. I've never really questioned why. It just seems that everyone accepts that it's unwise to do so - until it comes to feeding fish. Fish feeding is an easy way to get fish to approach you. It's also a quick fix that guarantees happy tourists for tour operators. Bonaire Marine National Park strongly discourages fish feeding and it is permitted only under expert guidance. So, why is it against the rules??? In this article, I'll discuss how feeding fish is detrimental to people, fish, and the ecosystem as a whole.
Ten years ago fish feeding was very popular in Bonaire. After a while, fish came to expect their daily treats. As word spread through the fish communities, more and more fish wanted to take part in these free treats. Increasing numbers of fish would frequent the feeding areas until it became quite hazardous for anyone to venture into these fish infested waters. It started innocently enough - a little nip here, a little love bite there. "Oh Johnny, they just can't tell the difference between a piece of bread and your finger - that's all". It wasn't until the fish started feasting on ears, elbows, and what not (beware those of you who like to let it all hang loose) that the dive shops and the Marine Park decided to ban fish feeding. Ten years is a long time. Unfortunately, I've been hearing rumors that fish feeding is 'in' again. Just last week I had a conversation with a young lady who had been traumatized (stalked and bitten repeatedly) by a hungry Chub at Klein Bonaire. So, although infrequent for the time being, with continued feeding, we may again return to the point where it is frightening for some to snorkel at sites where the fish are expecting a meal.
In addition to sometimes harming people, it is my belief that fish feeding is harmful to fish. It most certainly results in a great change in a fish's diet. Some fish are strictly carnivores, while others are strictly vegetarians. Bread, crackers, cheese, etc. are not natural food items for any fish and may, in the long run, cause health problems for certain fish. Fish feeding also alters fish behavior. Fish that normally have wide ranges, such as Chub and Yellow-tail Snapper, hang out in one spot if they know that they will be fed. They become more aggressive with people and with each other. And lastly, from personal observation, fish will eat anything that smells like food, such as plastic wrappers and Ziploc bags that once stored food. This results in their death. People feed fish because they love them. Ironically, we sometimes love them to death.
These changes in diet and behavior may also affect the overall health of the reef. As we have been told hundreds of times, the coral reef is a well-organized ecosystem that is in a delicate balance. Any time you start messing with different variables in the equation, such as adding free, unnatural food, you're asking for trouble. By changing their natural behaviors, i.e. territories, you are changing patterns that took thousands of years to develop. Each fish belongs in a certain place on the reef. Some fish lie low and defend a very small territory. Others cruise the reef and cover huge areas every day. Instead of feeding fish and domesticating them, why not let them do their thing? The coral reef is one of the easiest natural systems to observe. If you're patient and observant, you can see fish and other creatures hunting, fighting, and mating. You'll never be able to observe these behaviors when you're feeding them. Please consider the arguments I've put forth before you break open that package of crackers. Realize that feeding fish results in aggressive and unhealthy fish and, in the long run, is harmful to the coral reef. "Take nothing but photos, leave nothing but bubbles."
Help us to protect the coral reefs of Bonaire and pass on this message if you see people feeding fish or call The Marine National Park at 717-8444. C.E.
|
|
