Remote sensing

Remote sensing is the process of collecting information about an object or area from a distance,
typically using satellites or aircraft. This technology measures reflected and emitted radiation to
monitor and analyse the physical characteristics of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere

Remote sensors

Remote sensors are instruments used to collect data about the Earth’s surface and atmosphere
from a distance. They can be mounted on satellites, aircraft, drones, or other platforms. These
sensors detect and measure various types of energy, such as reflected sunlight or emitted thermal
radiation, to gather information about physical properties like temperature, vegetation, and land
use

Passive remote sensing

Passive remote sensing involves detecting natural energy that is reflected or emitted from the
Earth’s surface. Unlike active remote sensing, which uses its own source of energy (like radar),
passive remote sensing relies on external sources, primarily sunlight

Here are some key points about passive remote sensing:

 Energy Source: It depends on natural energy, usually sunlight, to illuminate the target.

 Operation Time: It can only function when there is sufficient natural light, typically
during the daytime.

 Weather Dependency: It can be affected by weather conditions, such as cloud cover,

which can block sunlight and interfere with data collection

Examples

1. Our eyes
2. Aerial cameras
3. Charge coupled devices
4. Radio-meters
5. Gamma rays’ spectrometers

Active remote sensing

Active remote sensing is a technique that involves the use of sensors which emit their own
energy to scan objects or areas.
Here are the key points:
 Energy Emission: The sensor emits electromagnetic radiation towards the target.
 Measurement: It measures the energy that is reflected or backscattered from the target.
 Independence from Natural Light: This method does not rely on external sources of light,
such as sunlight, making it effective in various conditions, including nighttime and
cloudy weather
Examples
1. Radio detection & Ranging (RADAR)
2. Light detection & Ranging (LIDAR)
3. Sound navigation Ranging (SONAR)
LIDAR
Refers to a remote sensing technology that measures distance by illuminating a target with a
laser light and analysing the reflected light.
Here are the key points:
 How It Works: LiDAR emits pulses of laser light towards a target and measures the time
it takes for the light to return after reflecting off the target.
 Components: A typical LiDAR system includes a laser scanner, a sensor to detect the
returning light, and a processor to calculate distances and generate data.
 Applications: It is used in various fields such as topographic mapping, forestry,
autonomous vehicles, and environmental monitoring.
 Advantages: LiDAR provides high-resolution, accurate data and can operate in various
conditions, including at night and through vegetation
RADAR
A system that uses reflected radio waves to determine the presence, location and speed of distant
objects.
Here are the key points:
 How It Works: RADAR systems emit radio waves and then measure the time it takes for
the waves to bounce back after hitting an object
 RADAR is used in various fields such as aviation (to track aircraft). Air traffic control
uses radar to track and control planes in smooth landings
  meteorology (to monitor weather conditions). Weather forecasters use radar to track
storms and rain
 maritime navigation (to detect ships and obstacles). The military use radar to detect
enemies and to guide weapons
 automotive safety (in collision avoidance systems). The police use radar to detect speed
of passing motorists
SONAR
A remote sensing device which uses sound as a signal to detect the position of unseen
underwater objects by transmitting sound waves and measuring the time it takes for the echo to
return after heating the object.
SONAR is widely used in marine navigation, underwater exploration, fishing, and military
operations to detect submarines and mines
Basic components of remote sensing
1. Sensor
Instruments used to record data e.g. (Computerized Cameras, Radiometers, Thermal
Sensors)
2. Platform
Vehicles used to mount sensors e.g. (Aircraft, Ground Vehicles, Satellites, Towers)
Types of remote sensing platforms
Land based platform: these are Vans, trucks, tracks, tractors, tanks, tall building ladders towers
that are used to record information about the surface which is compare with information
collected from aerial or satellite images
Satellite or space platform: These are objects which revolve around other objects which in this
case the earth e.g. The moon is a natural satellite.
Features of remote sensing
1. The sun is the major source
2. Land features which are targeted areas
3. Sensors which are cameras mounted on aero planes or satellites
4. Processing station e.g. Computers in offices
Processes of remote sensing
Energy Source: The process begins with an energy source, typically the sun, which provides
electromagnetic energy to the target of interest
Radiation and the Atmosphere: The energy travels through the atmosphere, where it can be
absorbed, scattered, or reflected
Recording of Energy by the Sensor: Sensors on satellites, aircraft, or ground-based platforms
capture the reflected or emitted energy
Data Processing: The raw data is processed into a usable format, often involving corrections for
atmospheric effects and geometric distortions
Interpretation and Analysis: The processed data is analyzed to extract meaningful information
about the target area
How remote sensing works.

Stages in remote sensing

Remote sensing involves several key stages to gather and interpret data from a distance. Here are
the main stages:
1. Energy Source: The process begins with an energy source, typically the sun, which emits
electromagnetic radiation.
2. Transmission of Energy: This energy travels through the atmosphere towards the Earth’s
surface.
 3. Interaction with Earth’s Surface: The energy interacts with various features on the Earth’s
surface, where it can be absorbed, reflected, or transmitted.
4. Propagation through the Atmosphere: The reflected or emitted energy travels back
through the atmosphere to the sensor.
5. Detection by Sensors: Sensors on satellites or aircraft detect and capture this energy.
6. Data Conversion: The captured data is converted into a usable format, often digital.
7. Information Extraction: The data is processed and analyzed to extract meaningful
information.
Electro-magnetic Spectrum

The electromagnetic spectrum encompasses all types of electromagnetic radiation, organized by

frequency or wavelength. It includes a range of waves with different properties and uses. Here
are the main categories from low to high frequency:
1. Radio Waves: Used for communication like radio and TV broadcasts.
2. Microwaves: Used in microwave ovens and for certain communications.
3. Infrared Radiation: Felt as heat and used in remote controls and thermal imaging.
4. Visible Light: The only part of the spectrum we can see, responsible for the colors we
perceive.
5. Ultraviolet: Can cause sunburn and is used in black lights.
6. X-Rays: Used in medical imaging to view inside the body.
 7. Gamma Rays: Emitted by radioactive materials and certain astronomical phenomena,
used in cancer treatment.
Each type of wave interacts with matter differently and has unique applications. For example,
radio waves can pass through buildings, while gamma rays can penetrate most materials and are
used for sterilizing medical equipment
Comparing Aerial photographs and satellite images
Aerial Photography Satellite Image

 Produces images of small area of the earth  Produces images of large areas of the earth
surface surface

 Weather aspects not shown  Show some weather aspects E.g. Clouds

 They show geographical features clearly  Geographical features not clearly shown

 Depends on remote sensing for photographs  Satellites operated by Govt. and businesses
to be taken produce the images

 Do not show earths curvature  The curved shape of earth is clearly shown

Application of aerial photographs

Aerial photographs have a wide range of applications across various fields. Here are some key
uses:
1. Mapping and Surveying: Aerial photos are crucial for creating detailed maps and
conducting land surveys. They provide accurate representations of large areas, which is
essential for urban planning and infrastructure development.
2. Environmental Monitoring: These photographs help monitor environmental changes,
such as deforestation, coastal erosion, and the effects of natural disasters. They are also
used to track wildlife and vegetation patterns.
 3. Agriculture: Farmers use aerial images to monitor crop health, manage irrigation, and
plan the use of fertilizers and pesticides. This helps in optimizing yields and managing
resources more efficiently.
4. Archaeology: Aerial photography is invaluable in archaeology for discovering and
documenting ancient sites. It can reveal patterns and structures that are not visible from
the ground.
5. Real Estate and Urban Planning: Real estate developers and urban planners use aerial
photos to assess land use, plan new developments, and visualize the impact of proposed
projects.
6. Disaster Management: In the aftermath of natural disasters, aerial photographs provide
critical information for rescue operations and damage assessment.
7. Artistic and Commercial Uses: Aerial photography is also used in filmmaking,
advertising, and artistic projects to capture unique perspectives and stunning visuals.
These applications demonstrate the versatility and importance of aerial photography in various
sectors.
Geographical Information Systems (G.I.S)
A Geographical Information System (GIS) is a computer-based tool that captures, stores,
analyzes, and displays data related to positions on Earth’s surface. Here are the key components
and applications of GIS:

1. Data Capture: GIS collects data from various sources, including maps, satellite imagery,
and surveys. This data can include information about the landscape, infrastructure, and
demographics.
2. Data Storage: The system stores this geospatial data in a way that allows for easy
retrieval and analysis. This includes both spatial data (location-based) and attribute data
(descriptive information).
3. Data Analysis: GIS can analyze spatial relationships and patterns. For example, it can
identify areas at risk of flooding by overlaying rainfall data with topographic maps.
4. Visualization: One of the most powerful features of GIS is its ability to create detailed
maps and 3D models. These visualizations help in understanding complex data and
making informed decisions
Components of GIS

1. Hardware: This includes the physical devices needed to run GIS software, such as
computers, servers, and GPS units.
2. Software: GIS software is used to process and analyze spatial data. Examples include
ArcGIS, QGIS, and MapInfo.
3. Data: This is the core of any GIS. It includes spatial data (like maps and satellite images)
and attribute data (descriptive information about spatial features).
4. People: Skilled professionals who manage and analyze GIS data. They include GIS
analysts, cartographers, and data scientists.
5. Methods: These are the techniques and procedures used to collect, process, and analyze
GIS data.
Importance of GIS and Remote sensing today
 Environmental impact assessment
Using GIS, the same map can include sites that produce pollution. E.g. industries and site
sensitive to pollution.
 Crime mapping
Allows law enforcers like the police to identify crime hotspots
 Military operations.
Terrain analysis monitoring of possible terrorist activity occupying positions of
advantage in the battlefield.
 Disaster management
Allows geographers to track hurricanes, earthquakes erosion, flooding and other hazards.
 Urban planning
For planners, it is important to have the capacity to detect, localize and predict trend of
traffic congestion, poverty, pollution
 Natural resource management
It generates enough information with regards to water resources and forest cover
 Epideminology
It helps people who study patterns of disease outbreaks and link them with their possible
causes.
 Transportation
Air traffic control use remote sensing technology. e.g. RADAR to track down planes,
police also use RADAR to detect speeding motorists
 Cartography
Updated geographical technology gives us power to create maps
 Weather forecasts
Meteologists use remote sensing to detect rams, hailstorms and hurricanes
 Business management
GIS is the most effective in advertising marketing, sales and logistics as to where to
locate business
Geographical Positioning System (GPS)
It is a worldwide navigation system that provides information from orbiting satellites.
24 satellites that are circulating in the medium orbit around the earth
Unit 2: Environmental and Natural resource management (Wetlands in Malawi)
Wetlands are areas where water covers the soil or is present near the surface for varying periods
of time, including during the growing season
Wetlands as a “Ramsar site”
Any area of marsh, fern, peat, land or water, whether natural or artificial permanent or temporary
with water that is static, flowing, fresh blackish or salty waters.
Wetlands can be designated as Ramsar sites if they meet at least one of nine criteria, which
include supporting vulnerable species, providing critical habitat for water birds, or containing
unique wetland types
Examples of wetlands in Malawi
 Elephant marsh in Chikwawa
 Mdindi marsh in Nsanje
 Lake chilwa in phalombe and zomba
 Lake chiuta at the border of Malawi and Mozambique
 Vwaza marsh in rumphi
 Shallow areas of lake Malawi
Flora and fauna in wetlands
Wetlands are incredibly diverse ecosystems that support a wide variety of plant and animal life.
Flora
Wetlands are home to many types of plants, often referred to as hydrophytes or macrophytes,
which are adapted to grow in water or saturated soil. Some common wetland plants include:
 Cattails: Tall, reed-like plants often found in marshes.
 Pond lilies: Floating plants with broad leaves and beautiful flowers.
 Cypress trees: Large trees that thrive in swampy areas.
 Mangroves: Coastal plants that can tolerate salty water.
 Tamarack: A type of conifer that grows in bogs and swamps.
Fauna
Wetlands also support a diverse array of animal species, including:
 Invertebrates: Such as crustaceans, mollusks, and various insect larvae.
 Birds: Including species like herons, ducks, and osprey.
 Mammals: Such as muskrats, otters, and deer.
 Reptiles and Amphibians: Including alligators, frogs, and salamanders.
 Fish: Many species of fish thrive in wetland environments.
These ecosystems are crucial for biodiversity, providing habitat, food, and breeding grounds for
many species. They also play a significant role in water purification, flood control, and carbon
sequestration
Examples of flora communities
 Common curtail
 Arrow weed
 Bulrush
 Wildrace
 Marsh marigold
 Shrunk cabbage
 Purple
Importance of wetland
1. They are habitant for birds and some endangered species
2. They control flooding by holding excessive rain water temporarily before joining the
main water body
 3. They purify water by filtering out sediments and absorb pollution
4. They beautify the environment
5. Provide ground for scientific research
6. A good place for fish spawning
7. Carbon sequestration: this reduces global warming by locking up carbon and preventing
it from entering the atmosphere
Human activities that threaten wetland
 Draining of wetlands for crop cultivation and settlement
 Deforestation
 Mining
 Dumping waste in wetlands
 Construction of dams and water diversion structure may dry wetlands
 Climate change: prolonged drought and excessive evaporation depletes water resources
Strategies for managing wetlands
1. Declaring wetlands as protected areas
2. Afforestation and re-afforestation in wetlands
3. Making and enforcing laws about the protection of wetlands to avoid destruction
4. Practicing proper land husbandry practices
5. Providing public awareness campaigns
Wildlife in Malawi
Wildlife refers to undomesticated or untamed plants and animals
Examples
 Birds (Guinea fowls)
 Mammals (Antelopes, hyenas, elephants)
 Reptiles (Lizards, alligators)
 Snakes
 Insects
 Micro-organisms
 Trees
Wildlife habitat
Refers to physical environment where animals get necessities of its life
A wildlife habitat is the natural environment where a species lives and thrives. It provides the
essential elements needed for survival: food, water, shelter, and space.
 Lakes
 Forests
 Rivers
 Nature sanctuaries
 Game reserves
 National parks

A. National parks
 Nyika National park
 Kasungu National park
 Liwonde National park
  Longwe National park
 Lake Malawi National park
B. Game reserves
 Nkhotakota Game reserve
 Vwaza Game reserve
 Majete Game reserve
 Mwabvi Game reserve
C. Nature sanctuaries
 Lilongwe
 Michiru
D. Forest reserves
 Dzalanyama in Dedza and Lilongwe
 Chikangawa in mzimba
 Chongani in dzedza
 Ntchisi forest reserve
Importance of wildlife
1. They provide nutritious food for people
2. Provide raw materials
3. Used for manufacturing of medicine
4. Forests are good site for scientific studies and investigation
Endangered species
Refers to a population of plants or animal species which is at risk of complete extinction
(disappearance) because it is either in small numbers or threatened by environmental conditions
Examples
 Pangolin
 Rhinos
 Fish species (Mbuna and Chambo)
 Some plants species
Natural cause of extinction
Natural causes of extinction are events or processes that lead to the disappearance of species
without human intervention. Here are some key factors:
1. Climate Change: Natural shifts in climate can alter habitats and food sources, making it
difficult for species to survive.
2. Natural Disasters: Events like volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis can cause
immediate and widespread destruction.
3. Asteroid Impacts: Collisions with asteroids or comets can lead to mass extinctions by
causing drastic changes in the environment.
 4. Disease: Outbreaks of diseases can decimate populations, especially if they lack
immunity.
5. Competition and Predation: New predators or more competitive species can drive others
to extinction
6. Over-specialization: A specialist species can only survive in a narrow range of
environmental conditions and has a limited diet species that could not successfully adapt
to any slight change in environmental conditions.
7. Competition: Sometimes there are just too many animals living in an area that compete
for space, food and water. Death and sickness may ensure threatening the remaining
population
8. Catastrophic event: Volcanism and earthquakes may also drive species to endangerment
and extinction
Human activities endangering wildlife in Malawi
 Construction of buildings
 Mining
 Overfishing
 Over hunting (Poaching)
 Invasion species
Possible solution to endangerment
 Afforestation could help to restore habitat for animals
 Public awareness campaigns
 Establishing protected areas like game reserves and national parks
 Establishing captive breeding programs like zoos and sanctuaries
 Prohibiting hunting of endangered species
Unit 4: Waste management
Refers to all the activities that deal with waste before and after it is used
Waste: Any unwanted material that has been discarded by its user
Waste generator: Any person whose activities lead to production of waste
Types of waste
Waste are classified based on source and properties
Waste based on source
a) Municipal waste
Comes from homes, markets, streets and other public places. E.g. Plastics, metals, pieces
of glass
b) Industrial waste
 They come from factories and companies. E.g. textile, food processing
c) Construction and demolition waste
Construction and demolition waste includes materials from building sites like concrete,
wood, bricks, plaster, metal, and glass. This type of waste can be significant, but many of
these materials can be recycled or reused to minimize environmental impact. E.g. Metals,
glasses, wood, concrete and excavated soil
d) Agricultural waste
Agricultural waste includes materials generated from farming activities, such as crop
residues, manure, and pesticide containers.
e) Clinical or medical waste (Bio-medical)
Waste from hospitals or medical centers such as blood from patients’ surgical tools, used
bandages, cottonwood
Types of waste based on properties
a) Bio-degradable waste
Waste that can decompose by means of bacteria. E.g. Fruit peels, Food remains, sewage,
wood
b) Non-Bio degradable waste
They do not decompose and be dissolved in the soil. E.g. Plastics, scrap metals, tin cons
c) Hazardous waste
Waste that is toxic to people, animals and general environment. E.g. Pesticides, nuclear
waste explosives
d) Combustible/ flammable waste
These are waste that can burn. E.g. Pesticides containers
e) Non-hazardous waste
These are beneficial and can be re-used. E.g. Food remains, crop residues, rags, papers.
Ways of managing waste
 Reduce: Minimize the amount of waste you produce.
 Reuse: Find ways to use items more than once before discarding them.
 Recycle: Sort and process waste into new materials and products.
 Compost: Turn organic waste into valuable compost for gardening.
 Proper disposal: Ensure hazardous waste is disposed of safely and correctly.
These methods help reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability.
Resource recovery
1.Prevention or reduction
It means eliminating or using loss quantities so as to reduce amounts of waste. E.g. using hand
bags for shopping instead of shopping plastics
2.Re-use
Using the same product repeatedly either for the same or different use. E.g. discarded bottles
being used to store other liquids
3.Recycling
Treating or processing waste to make them usable in future. E.g. paper recycling
4.Resource recovery
Involves extracting other valuable resources from waster which are later be recycled. E.g. using
dung for energy
5.Incineration
Process of destroying or disposing of hazardous waste by burning. E.g. medical waste in
hospitals.
6.Land fill
Involves disposing of wastes by burying or excavating them into the ground.
Land fill sites in Malawi
 Area 38
 Area 55 Lilongwe
  Mchinji road
 Chikowi Zomba
 Songani
 Mzedi Blantyre
 Mchengautawa Mzuzu
Importance of waste management
 It enhances public health by eliminating hazardous waste
 Waste can be turned into organic manure
 Provides employment through transporting recycling and collection of waste
 Helps to maintain clean and attractive environment
 Helps to prevent pollution
Challenges of waste management in developing countries
 Lack of funding from government to remove and manage waste in towns
 Local authorities lack capacity to monitor and enforce regulations about management
 Rapid urbanization which increases consumption and release of energy
 Lack of knowledge on waste management
Responses to climate change
1.Climate change mitigation
Refers to actions or efforts that are aimed at reducing the harmful human activities that cause
climate change
2.Climate change adaptation
Refers to efforts to reduce the impact of climate change on vulnerable communities and the
livelihoods
Mitigation measures to climate change
 Afforestation and re-afforestation
 Agroforestry and conservation
Adaptation interventions to climate change
 Promoting the growing of drought resistant crops. E.g. cassava, potatoes, and rearing of
drought resistant animals e.g. rabbits, guinea fowls
 Promoting irrigation agriculture e.g. implementation of green belt initiatives that target
reduction of dependency on rainfed agriculture
 Creation of functional linkages with development partners for technology enterprise
initiatives
 Diversifying more economies e.g. through valve addition, bee keeping
 Disaster preparedness Good agricultural practices that address land degradation e.g. grass
strips
 Regional and international responses to climate change
a) The UNFCCC (united nations framework convention on climate change) 1992.
 Aimed at reducing greenhouse gases emissions
 Greenhouse gases targeted are carbon dioxide, methane, hydro-flu carbons, perflu
cabons, surphur hexafluoride
b) The Kyoto protocol (1997)
 Established quantitative emission target for high income countries
 To reduce greenhouse gases emission by 7% within 7 years
 To place heavier burdens on developed nations principally responsible for high
emission
c) The Copenhagen accord (COP15) 2009
 Aimed at limiting global temperature rise to 2 degrees circus
d) The tripartite agreement on climate change adaptation and mitigation (Addis Ababa
2012)
 They conduct a 5-year climate change adaptation and mitigation program
 Involved by The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA),
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) and The East African
Community (EAC)
 Aimed at addressing the impacts of climate change
Benefits of climate change interventions
 Reduction of greenhouse gas emission
 Has accelerated the use of affordable environmentally sound technologies in developing
countries
 Led to reduction rates of illnesses and deaths
 Strengthened international co-operation among countries
Challenges of combating climate change
 Disagreements over taking responsibility for mitigation and adaptation programs
 Inadequate and contradicting information on climate change
 Wars in some countries prevent the fight against climate change
 Some countries pulled out of the international agreements
 Failure by countries to comply with international conservation principles
Minerals
Minerals refers to a compound in the earths crust which makes the basis of a rock
An ore
A rock that contains minerals worth mining
Metals
Chemical elements that can be processed by special treatment in order to produce metals
Characteristics of minerals
 Naturally occurring (Not manufactured in industries)
 Inorganic in nature
 Are solid, grad lit (Acceleration)
 Have a regular chemical composition in fixed proportion
 Have orderly internal structure
Types of minerals
1.Metallic minerals
Can be processed into metals
a. Ferrous metals
Contain iron. E.g. nickel, platinum, iron, dolomite
b. Non-ferrous metals
Don not contain iron. E.g. gypsum, asbestos
2.Non-metallic minerals
They do not produce metals. Halite, Asbestos, gypsum
3.Organic minerals
Formed from dead plants and animals
 Petroleum
 Natural gas
 Coal
Minerals and their types
Minerals Property Use

Aluminum  High melting and  Making aluminum

boiling point paint, aluminum foil,
 Malleable utensils, aircrafts,
 Tight electric cables,
refrigerators
Gold  High melting and  Manufacturing tooth
boiling point filling jewelries, coins,
ornaments
Coal  Fossil fuel  Source of thermal
 Brownish or dark in energy
color  Used to manufacturing
drugs, fertilizer and
preservatives
Copper  Reddish in color  Manufacturing electric
  Resistant to corrosion cables, coins, engine
parts
Uranium  Silver white and shiny  Used to produce
 Radio active nuclear energy bombs
 Malleable and ductile and missiles
light weight  To propel space ships
Iron  Harrow belittle and  Used in body structure
purely lustrous of vehicles
Gypsum  Soft and soluble in  Making cement and
water fertilizer
 Non-combustible  Fire and sound barrier
World fishing
All aspects of mans pursuit of all marine animals in the seas and inland waters
World fishing encompasses both commercial and recreational activities aimed at catching fish
and other aquatic organisms from oceans, rivers, and lakes.
Factors that encourage fishing
 Scarcity of cultivated land in the coastal lands may force people to resort to fishing for
survival
 Presence of shallow waters which allow sunlight to penetrate and stimulate growth of
plankters
 Abundant supply of plankters on which fish feed upon
 Presence of shallow waters which allow sunlight to penetrate and stimulate growth of
plankters
 Cool climate with temperature lower than 20 degrees Celsius favors the development of
encourage marine life
 The meeting of warm and cold ocean currents encourage growth of plankters
 Being labor intensive industry fishing requires large population, this population provides
a market for fish
Types of fish
1. Pelagic Fish
Pelagic fish are species that live in the open water column of oceans or lakes, away from
the shore and the bottom. E.g.
 Pilchard
 Sardines
 Anchovies
 Menhaden
 Herring
 Mackerel
 Tuna
2. Demersal Fish
Demersal fish, also known as groundfish, live and feed on or near the bottom of seas or
lakes, in what is known as the demersal zone. E.g.
 Sole
 Cod
 Plaice
 Hake
 Skate
Uses of fish
1. Nutritional Value: Fish are rich in high-quality protein, vitamins (such as D and B2), and
minerals (like calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium). They
 are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain and heart
health.
2. Health Benefits: Regular consumption of fish can lower the risk of heart attacks and
strokes, boost brain health, support eye development, and help prevent conditions like
depression and autoimmune diseases.
3. Economic Importance: Fish are a significant part of the global economy, providing
livelihoods for millions of people through fishing, aquaculture, and related industries.
4. Culinary Uses: Fish are a staple in many cuisines around the world. They can be prepared
in various ways, including grilling, baking, frying, and steaming.
5. Environmental Role: Fish play a crucial role in aquatic ecosystems, contributing to the
balance of marine and freshwater environments
6. For sale
7. Provides us with food
World fishing Grounds
World fishing grounds are regions where fish are abundant and fishing activities are highly
productive. Here are some of the most notable fishing grounds around the globe:
1. North-East Atlantic: Fishing is carried out throughout the year because of the presence of
north Atlantic drifts warm current.
Extending from Iceland to the Mediterranean shores, this region is known for its rich
variety of fish, including herring, cod, mackerel, haddock, and halibut
2. North-West Atlantic: Fishing here is centered around the Grand Banks off the coast of
Newfoundland are famous for their cod fisheries. This area also yields haddock, herring,
and mackerel
The Labrador and north Atlantic drift ocean currents meet here
3. North-West Pacific: Extends from the Bering sea to east china sea, this is the worlds
greatest fishing region. Japan is the leading country
This region, particularly around Japan and Russia, is one of the world’s most productive
fishing areas, known for its salmon, tuna, cod, salmon and various shellfish
4. North-East Pacific: Extends from Alaska to California, salmon is the most valuable and
exported fish
is one of the world’s major fishing grounds, stretching from Alaska to California along
the western shores of North America
5. South Africa: Fishing is important over Agulhas Bank bank because of shallow waters.
Important parts are Cape town, Durban and Port Elizabeth. Fish caught are Hake and
Pilchard