Fishing history focus of ocean conference

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 25 (UPI) -- Scientists say historical research being presented in Canada could provide new ideas for improving the health of the world's oceans.

Oceans Past II, which is taking place this week in Vancouver, focuses on the nature of sea life dating back to the Romans and illustrates just how significant man's impact on the marine environment has been.

The San Diego Union-Tribune said Monday that research includes records of huge schools of fat fish and whales in centuries past that have dwindled in both size and numbers.

Studies to be presented include reports of thousands of whales loitering around New Zealand, shark schools off England and a more-recent comparison of game fish cost off the Florida Keys in which the average size of the whoppers regularly reeled has decreased by 5 pounds and a foot in length.

Scientists say these historical fish stories could provide scientists and policy makers with a better idea of what might be possible if steps are taken to protect and even rebuild the world's fisheries.

"No one is arguing that we can restore the oceans to their previous pristine state, but if we're going to try to rebuild the seas at all, we need to know what's possible," said University of New Hampshire marine scientists Andy Rosenberg.