By Michaela Girvan Scotland is poised to make legal history with the introduction of the Ecocide (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill, the world’s
We keep hearing that 30% of the ocean will be protected by 2030. But only 8.4% of our blue planet is protected, and just 2.8% is effectively protected. We need drastic change to achieve the 30% target in the next few years.
Bycatch is not an accident; it’s a catastrophe. At least 38 million tonnes of marine life killed each year by accident
is a staggering figure, likely underestimated, that represents an oceanic massacre of unimaginable scale. Remember, the global fishing industry receives $35 billion in subsidies annually. This is government-funded ocean destruction.
Fin whales are second only to gargantuan blue whales, they are some of the largest animals in the world. They were also one of the first cetacean species to be added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List of Threatened Species, where they are classed as vulnerable to extinction. And this year, in Iceland’s waters, 128 of them will be shot and killed with explosive harpoons.
For some of us, the answer to the question if fish feel pain is an obvious yes. But alas, not everyone agrees. And in a world where at least a trillion fish are killed for human consumption each year, this question matters.
Phil Halper, lead researcher on the issue explains that fish have pain receptors and debunks the myths of fish pain sceptics. Fish really do feel pain. They do suffer.
Have you heard of supertrawlers? There are currently eight Europe-registered supertrawlers licensed to fish in British waters. These are giant factory ships, usually over 100 metres in length, that can catch tonnes of fish, and whatever else is in their way, every day with their kilometre-long nets – for comparison, that’s three times the length of the Eiffel Tower.
In our seas, meanwhile, one of the UK’s most exciting, rare species has returned all by themselves. But instead of being cherished and carefully protected like other magnificent creatures back from the brink, they are being hunted commercially to supply high-end restaurants with luxury meat.
While much is talked about the impact of commercial fishing on fish populations and the ocean’s health, recreational and trophy fishing also play a role in contributing to marine biodiversity decline. These don’t usually get the same conservation spotlight as people might feel there are more pressing issues when it comes to protecting the oceans. Supertrawlers, illegal fishing, ghost nets… those are urgent matters which need attention and immediate action. However, when we look at fishing as a whole, there’s, unfortunately, more to worry about.
By Michaela Girvan Scotland is poised to make legal history with the introduction of the Ecocide (Prevention) (Scotland) Bill, the world’s
We keep hearing that 30% of the ocean will be protected by 2030. But only 8.4% of our blue planet is protected, and just 2.8% is effectively protected. We need drastic change to achieve the 30% target in the next few years.
Bycatch is not an accident; it’s a catastrophe. At least 38 million tonnes of marine life killed each year by accident
is a staggering figure, likely underestimated, that represents an oceanic massacre of unimaginable scale. Remember, the global fishing industry receives $35 billion in subsidies annually. This is government-funded ocean destruction.
Fin whales are second only to gargantuan blue whales, they are some of the largest animals in the world. They were also one of the first cetacean species to be added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List of Threatened Species, where they are classed as vulnerable to extinction. And this year, in Iceland’s waters, 128 of them will be shot and killed with explosive harpoons.
For some of us, the answer to the question if fish feel pain is an obvious yes. But alas, not everyone agrees. And in a world where at least a trillion fish are killed for human consumption each year, this question matters.
Phil Halper, lead researcher on the issue explains that fish have pain receptors and debunks the myths of fish pain sceptics. Fish really do feel pain. They do suffer.
Have you heard of supertrawlers? There are currently eight Europe-registered supertrawlers licensed to fish in British waters. These are giant factory ships, usually over 100 metres in length, that can catch tonnes of fish, and whatever else is in their way, every day with their kilometre-long nets – for comparison, that’s three times the length of the Eiffel Tower.
In our seas, meanwhile, one of the UK’s most exciting, rare species has returned all by themselves. But instead of being cherished and carefully protected like other magnificent creatures back from the brink, they are being hunted commercially to supply high-end restaurants with luxury meat.
While much is talked about the impact of commercial fishing on fish populations and the ocean’s health, recreational and trophy fishing also play a role in contributing to marine biodiversity decline. These don’t usually get the same conservation spotlight as people might feel there are more pressing issues when it comes to protecting the oceans. Supertrawlers, illegal fishing, ghost nets… those are urgent matters which need attention and immediate action. However, when we look at fishing as a whole, there’s, unfortunately, more to worry about.
Blue Planet Society is a volunteer pressure group campaigning to protect the world’s ocean. You can help us by making a donation today.
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