IV. CONCLUDING REMARKS ON ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT

Although it is uncommon for traditional small scale fishing or processing operations to have a serious impact on the environment, there are situations where this has occured and it should, therefore, not be ruled out. Possible effects on fish resources and environmental pollution should be taken into account by fish processors and extension workers when considering improved processing techniques, particularly when they will result in a greater throughput of raw material. Industrial scale fish processing on the other hand can have a devastating effect on fish resources and, before it is embarked upon, the effect on the environment and the population traditionally dependent on the fish resource must be carefully evaluated.