One thing we both can agree on is that there are a number of possible explanations. Something that should be considered before we all go off the deep end is that something in the fishes environment may have changed, and the entire school has simply moved. The school could have been driven from one area to another, or simply attracted from one area to another. The questions are what has happened, and why.

It is possible that over time, the school has learned that certain sounds signal danger, such as the sounds of the engines of the fishing boats or other equipment. That is not as far-fetched as it may seem. Whitetail deer learn over time that the presence or absence of certain sounds and scents are normal. They instinctively preceive any change in the norm as a danger signal and react accordingly. Depending on the danger, they may permanently leave the area.

It is possible that due to volcanic action, landslides, weather, etc, that the underwater currents have changed enough, even temporarily, to motivate the fish to go elsewhere.

It is possible that normal currents are carrying bacteria or chemicals from dumped garbage and the area usually frequented by the school is now disagreeable or hostile, causing them to hunt for more favorable areas.

It is also possible that there have been changes in water temperatures, the speed or temperature of underwater currents, the acidity or salinity of the water, its ability to hold oxygen, etc. Any of these factors could effect the behavior of the school. They could effect not only the school, but also the plants or animals used as food by the school. If the food thinned out sufficiently, or if the number of predatory fish increased sufficiently, the school could well move to another area.

Assuming that the problem exists at all, I doubt very seriously that this is the first time that this has happened, and I think that it will correct itself over time. I find this a whole lot more plausible than the idea that in the short life of industrial fishing that we have wiped out 90% of the large fish in the oceans.

Here is something to consider. Take a look at gas prices. Someone in the Middle East can just belch, or hint at an oil shortage, and the next day we pay 10 cents more per gallon. The prices of groceries respond pretty fast to shortages, too. Has anyone noticed the massive increase in the price of fish that would indicate that we are eating the last 10% of the large fish in the entire world? Neither have I. <img src="images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />