Illegal Drift Net Fishing

They call them "walls of death," giant drift nets that float in the open ocean to catch large schooling fish, but target fish aren't all that are caught. According to an article by the Environmental Justice Foundation," an estimated 85% of animals caught in driftnets are thrown back into the sea, dead or dying." The foundation also estimates that the deaths of 10,000 cetaceans (dolphins, whales, porpoises) are caused by driftnets each year in just the Mediterranean. Driftnet fishing is illegal. However, many factors allow drift netting to be continued as governments turn their backs to this inhumane fishing method. Illegal driftnet fishing should be stopped and new methods should be used to catch large schooling fish.


Although driftnets are successful in catching target fish they also catch many non-target species including: dolphins, whales, sharks, rays and sea turtles. While considering these facts keep in mind that six of seven species of sea turtle are considered endangered and three of those six are critically endangered. These creatures can not afford to be lost to by-catch and illegal fishing practices. These nets are not easily seen in the open ocean. Fish, mammals and turtles swim into them and become entangled. Dolphins and turtles drown and non-target fish become entangled. Illegal driftnet fishing can be slowed and these useless killings can be stopped. 


This video shows some of the effects of driftnet fishing and also explains why drift net fishing continues even after it was banned.

All forms of drift net fishing were made illegal in all Mediterranean states. So why is it still happening? The demand for large quantities of fish reinforces fishermen's illegal drift netting practices. With driftnets, fishermen can easily catch enough fish to support themselves and supply the world's large demands for fish. Governments often turn their backs to these practices. However, these practices are not necessary. Sustainable fisheries can catch fish and remain environmentally friendly while still meeting demands. If we make an effort to buy fish from sustainable fisheries we can make the demand for driftnet fishing lower. The Monterey Bay Aquarium has guides to help people select appropriate forms of fish based on regions. These guides can help you to avoid eating fish that have likely been caught due to driftnets or other forms of fishing that harm marine environments. I encourage you to download this list for your region and support sustainable fisheries!


http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.aspx

http://www.ejfoundation.org/page166.html
http://www.worldwildlife.org/species/finder/marineturtles/marineturtles.html