The term fishing can also be applied to catching other aquatic animals such as shellfish, squid, octopus, turtles, frogs, and other edible marine invertebrates. Methods used in fishing include hooking, trapping, and gathering. While subsistence fishing involves catching fish for personal, family, and community consumption or sharing, commercial fishing involves harvesting and marketing fish and shellfish on a large scale for profit. Recreational fishing also involves fishing for sports or pleasure.

Fishing is an important activity for many reasons. Fishing provides a source of food for both humans and animals. Fish and shellfish have a balanced quantity of essential proteins, making them a very high source of Amino Acids. The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) records that there is a significant growth in fish consumption and this has enhanced people’s diets around the world through diversified and nutritious food. Research has also shown that the protein in fish and shellfish is easily digested by the body. Also, the amino acids in fish are readily absorbed by the body compared to beef, pork, or chicken.

Secondly, fishing provides a source of employment opportunities for people, hence improving their standards of living. Small-scale fisheries and aquaculture make critical contributions to development in the areas of creating jobs for millions of people worldwide. Fishermen, fishmongers, traders, and distributors working in fish production; food security, and nutrition - all earn a living from fishing. These individuals pay taxes on their income as a contribution to nation-building.

Again, fishing is important because it provides a source of foreign exchange for governments. Commercial fishing and fish exports add to governments’ revenue base which is crucial in implementing developmental projects e.g. hospitals, schools, and roads. The by-products of fish also give a commercial advantage. Some by-products of fish include fish oils, fish manure, and fish glue. Some fishes also contain isinglass (a gelatinous substance, obtained from the air bladder of perches, Indian salmons, and catfish) used in the preparation of special cement and in the clarification of wine and beer. Also, the pointed and sharp placoid scales found on the skin of sharks are used in polishing wood and other materials.

Fish can also assist in controlling diseases like malaria, yellow fever, and other dreadful diseases that are spread through mosquitoes. For example, larvivorous fish eat the larvae of mosquitoes.

Considering the importance of fishing, the activity seems to be useful activity for many aspects of life.

REFERENCE

Information from https://www.quora.com/Why-is-the-fishing-industry-important, https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Fishing, and https://www.masifundise.org/the-importance-of-fish-to-man-not-just-a-food-source/ was used in this story