The Evolution of Fishing: From Ancient Foundations to Modern Regulation
In ancient Rome, fishing was more than sustenance—it was a sophisticated practice embodied in *piscinae*, artificial fish ponds used for controlled breeding and year-round harvest. These early aquaculture systems laid the groundwork for sustainable fish management long before modern science. By shifting from wild capture to structured harvesting, societies began instituting rules to prevent overexploitation. This transition marked the first threads of regulation: early licensing emerged not as bureaucracy, but as necessity to protect resources. Over centuries, these systems evolved into formal frameworks, where fishing licenses became key tools ensuring that harvesting remained balanced with ecological health.