Primary Economic Activities — Geography STD 12 Commerce / Arts — Question

Development of fishing requires specific physical factors.
Therefore, it is developed on a commercial scale where physical factors are favourable for fishing.

The following are the important physical factors, which can be responsible for the development of fishing.

• Broad continental shelf, with shallow water is favourable. For example, continental shelf along the eastern coastline of Japan is broad and water is shallow.
• Warm and cold ocean currents should meet near the coastline, so that plankton (favourite fish food) is available in plenty.
• Broken coast line which provides natural ports and harbours.
• Cold climate is favourable for natural preservation of fish.
• Since above all physical factors are present on the north-east coast of USA, north western coastline of Europe as well as in Japan, commercial fishing is well developed.