THE GROWTH OF A FISHING INDUSTRY THAT ADVOCATES THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW, MORE POWERFUL AND DESTRUCTIVE TECHNIQUES has led to a global fishing crisis that is endangering most of the planet's commercial stocks. Today, industrial fishing worldwide yields between 80 and 100 million tons of fish, but it also generates 27 million tons of discards ( marine organisms that are thrown back into the water after they have benn caught ), causing effects upon the ecosystem that will last for decades.

Another threat to the oceans, along with trawling, driftnets and the use of dynamite and other chemical substances to capture marine organisms, is illegal fishing, practiced by more than one thousand ships around the globe. It is therefore easy to understand that the current level of exploitation and aggression caused by these activities not only jeopardises our future but also excludes and competes against millions of professional fishermen who use more selective methods that respect marine life.

 

A DOCUMENTARY ABOUT ILLEGAL DRIFTNETS

Oceana in the documentary made by the producer EarthOcean about illegal drifnetters in the Mediterranean Sea. The video includes an interview with Xavier Pastor, Oceana’s Director for Europe, and also images of illegal driftnetters recorded during the expeditions on board the catamaran Oceana Ranger. Driftnets are banned since 2002 because they represent a major threat for the conservation of endangered species such as marine turtles and cetaceans.

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OCEANA's REPORTS