On November 21st every year, the world celebrates to draw attention and highlight one of the environmental issues that is threatening biodiversity and endangers the livelihoods of millions of people. World Fisheries Day is today, and here is what you need to know about the Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing .
What is Illegal Fishing?
Illegal fishing is a sort of activity that contravenes national or / and international fishing laws. That includes harvesting protected livelihood in the sea, using prohibited tools that might harm the ocean environment, and fishing without licenses.
Poorly maintained water is the easy target to face this act, and this could be weak government regulation in the border, or the nation is dealing with conflict and there is no power to protect the sea.
The IUU estimated that 25 million tons of fish annually has been illegally fished, and that is 15 - 30% of global fish catch.
How does this impact the environment?
The Ilegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) threatens the marine ecosystem. This is a serious issue that is impacting the environment and the marine livelihoods.
Biodiversity loss, the IUU targets protected species. Also, the use of destructive methods, such as dynamite or cyanide fishing, devastates coral reefs and critical marine habitats. Bycatch—non-target species caught during fishing operations—includes sea turtles, dolphins, and seabirds, further straining marine biodiversity.
Disruption of Ecosystems, mass fishing disrupts food chains and ecological balance. This can have cascading effects, impacting the health of the entire marine environment.
Contribution to Climate Change, the degradation of marine habitats, particularly coral reefs and seagrass beds, reduces the ocean's ability to absorb carbon dioxide. This exacerbates global warming and undermines the ocean's role as a carbon sink.
Habitat Destruction, Illegal fishing methods, such as bottom trawling, destroy seabeds and delicate ecosystems like coral reefs. These habitats serve as nurseries for countless marine species and play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity and carbon storage.
Socio Economic Impact, Illegal fishing is not only an environmental issue but also a socioeconomic one. It jeopardizes the livelihoods of legitimate fishers, deprives coastal communities of resources, and fuels conflicts over fishing rights. Furthermore, the profits from IUU fishing often fund organized crime, perpetuating cycles of exploitation and inequality.
How can we protect the marine ecosystem?
Addressing the IUU is first step in protecting the marine livelihoods, but here how can achieve the ending of illegal fishing:
Enhanced Monitoring and EnforcementAdvanced satellite tracking and electronic monitoring can improve surveillance in remote or unregulated waters. Nations must invest in patrolling their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) to deter illegal activities.
International CooperationCombating IUU fishing necessitates collaboration between governments, regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs), and international bodies like the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Initiatives such as the Port State Measures Agreement (PSMA) aim to prevent illegally caught fish from entering markets.
Consumer AwarenessEncouraging sustainable seafood choices and traceability can reduce market demand for illegally sourced fish. Certification programs like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) help consumers make informed decisions.
Illegal fishing poses an existential threat to marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions. Addressing this issue requires robust international cooperation, technological innovation, and a commitment to sustainable fishing practices. By protecting our oceans, we safeguard not only marine life but also the long-term health and prosperity of humanity.
コメント