WAEC Fishery Past Questions And Answers (Objective and Theory)
Section A: Fishery Questions
Question: What is aquaculture?
a) Fishing in natural water bodies
b) Cultivation of aquatic organisms
c) Harvesting wild fish only
d) Fishing with artificial lures
Answer: b) Cultivation of aquatic organisms
Question: Which fishing gear is commonly used for deep-sea fishing?
a) Cast net
b) Trawl net
c) Handline
d) Spearfishing
Answer: b) Trawl net
Question: What is overfishing?
a) Sustainable fishing practices
b) Fishing beyond sustainable limits
c) Fishing in restricted areas only
d) Catching only juvenile fish
Answer: b) Fishing beyond sustainable limits
Question: Which factor contributes to fishery habitat degradation?
a) Fish stocking programs
b) Mangrove preservation
c) Coastal development
d) Catch-and-release practices
Answer: c) Coastal development
Question: What is the purpose of fishery management?
a) Maximizing fish catch without restrictions
b) Preserving biodiversity
c) Ignoring ecological impacts
d) Promoting illegal fishing
Answer: b) Preserving biodiversity
Question: Which is a non-selective fishing method?
a) Hook and line
b) Gill net
c) Fish trap
d) Trolling
Answer: b) Gill net
Question: What does IUU fishing stand for?
a) Intentional Unregulated Use
b) Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated
c) Invasive Underwater Unions
d) International Underwater Unity
Answer: b) Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated
Question: How does bycatch impact fisheries?
a) Positively contributes to diversity
b) Reduces target species population
c) Ensures sustainable fishing
d) Accelerates fish growth
Answer: b) Reduces target species population
Question: What is the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act?
a) Encourages overfishing
b) Legislation promoting sustainable fisheries
c) Allows unregulated fishing
d) Ignores fishery conservation
Answer: b) Legislation promoting sustainable fisheries
Question: Which factor influences fish migration?
a) Temperature
b) Air pressure
c) Ocean salinity
d) Moon phases
Answer: a) Temperature
Question: What is a fishery stock assessment?
a) Estimating the market value of fish
b) Evaluating fish health
c) Analyzing fish population status
d) Determining fishing gear efficiency
Answer: c) Analyzing fish population status
Question: Which organization regulates international fisheries?
a) UNICEF
b) FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
c) WHO (World Health Organization)
d) UNESCO
Answer: b) FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)
Question: What is the purpose of a fishery quota?
a) Promoting overfishing
b) Limiting catch to sustainable levels
c) Encouraging illegal fishing
d) Ignoring conservation efforts
Answer: b) Limiting catch to sustainable levels
Question: What is the role of fish aggregating devices (FADs) in fisheries?
a) Enhancing fish camouflage
b) Attracting fish for easier catch
c) Reducing fish population
d) Preventing fish migration
Answer: b) Attracting fish for easier catch
Question: Which is a traditional fishing method?
a) Longlining
b) Purse seining
c) Fish farming
d) Hand gathering
Answer: d) Hand gathering
Question: How does eutrophication affect fisheries?
a) Increases fish population
b) Enhances water clarity
c) Depletes oxygen levels, harming fish
d) Accelerates fish growth
Answer: c) Depletes oxygen levels, harming fish
Question: What is the purpose of a fishery observer program?
a) Encouraging illegal fishing practices
b) Monitoring and collecting data on fishing activities
c) Eliminating bycatch
d) Promoting overfishing
Answer: b) Monitoring and collecting data on fishing activities
Question: Which fishing method uses a cone-shaped net?
a) Trolling
b) Purse seining
c) Cast netting
d) Dredging
Answer: b) Purse seining
Question: What is a marine protected area (MPA)?
a) Zone allowing unlimited fishing
b) Area designated to conserve marine life
c) Location with reduced fish diversity
d) Encourages IUU fishing
Answer: b) Area designated to conserve marine life
Question: How does climate change impact fisheries?
a) Promotes stable fish habitats
b) Increases fish population
c) Alters ocean conditions, affecting fish distribution
d) Accelerates fish growth
Answer: c) Alters ocean conditions, affecting fish distribution
Section B: Fishery Theory Questions
Question: Explain the concept of Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) in fisheries.
Answer: MSY is the maximum amount of fish that can be harvested from a population over an indefinite period without compromising its long-term sustainability. It aims to find a balance between maximizing catch and ensuring the fish population’s health.
Question: Discuss the role of technology in modern fisheries and its impact on sustainability.
Answer: Technology in fisheries, such as GPS, sonar, and advanced gear, can enhance efficiency but may contribute to overfishing. Balancing technological advancements with sustainable practices is crucial for the long-term health of fisheries.
Question: What is the significance of fishery certification programs, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)?
Answer: Certification programs like MSC help consumers identify sustainably sourced seafood. They encourage responsible fishing practices, ensuring that fisheries meet specific criteria for environmental sustainability, legal compliance, and effective management.
Question: Describe the importance of community-based fisheries management.
Answer: Community-based fisheries management involves local communities in decision-making processes, considering their knowledge and priorities. This approach fosters sustainable practices, strengthens social ties, and ensures the well-being of both fish stocks and communities.
