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Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
How Is Industrial Fishing Harming Oceans? Let Me Count the Ways
Anyone who has spent time near the ocean has experienced its magic. The way it stretches across the horizon, seemingly infinite, humbles you. Its vastness is almost impossible to comprehend. Those who dare to dip below the surface are rewarded even further with a glimpse into another world. As a kid, I wanted nothing more than to swim with dolphins. That's how the dream began, at least, to become a marine biologist. There weren't many paths for marine biology at my Mexican university back then, so I enrolled in the closest thing possible: fisheries science. At the time, I didn't realize those early studies would reveal just how destructive industrial fishing is. With all I had learned, I knew I couldn't stand by while humanity destroyed the oceans. World Oceans Day is on June 8, and in fact, all of June is World Oceans Month. These special waters cover around 70% of our planet. They regulate our climate, provide more than half of the world's oxygen, feed billions, and sustain all life on Earth. A month of celebration is the least we can offer them. This year's theme is 'wonder: sustaining what sustains us,' and to truly sustain the ocean, we have to change how we fish. Industrial fishing is one of the biggest threats to our oceans, with many fish populations being caught at unsustainable rates. Bottom trawling is among the worst offenders, scraping entire seabeds clean with nets the size of football fields. The vast majority of what they capture is bycatch, including sharks, sea turtles, and other endangered species. Imagine bulldozing a forest to pick a single apple. That's bottom trawling. Another core issue is that industrial fishing is often unregulated and plagued by corruption. Foreign vessels routinely fish illegally, especially in waters of poorer nations, and enforcement is nearly nonexistent. In Africa, European and Chinese fleets exploit national waters, sometimes flying an African country's flag through corrupt deals with local governments. If caught, these vessels can simply change their names or switch ships. Local fishers are left with empty nets, and their food security and livelihoods are eroded. Similarly, in Antarctica, 'super-trawlers' are harvesting massive quantities of krill — tiny crustaceans that form the foundation of the Antarctic food chain. These ships often operate in biologically rich areas that Antarctica's governing body, CCAMLR, has failed to regulate. When krill are overfished here, the entire ecosystem suffers. But how does this translate to our plates? Certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and Friend of the Sea (FOS) aim to guide us towards sustainable seafood consumption decisions. But even they are problematic. Their certifications rely on an outdated scientific model, called Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY). The goal of MSY is to exploit the most fish possible without collapsing the population. Still, the model is risky and flawed because it ignores the complexity of marine ecosystems and the interactions of species within them. What's shocking is that MSC even certifies bottom trawling! All of this is leading us on a dangerous path toward global-scale fisheries collapse, and we've seen it happen before. Take the Atlantic cod fishery. Canadian communities sustainably fished cod using traditional methods for centuries. But when industrial trawlers arrived in the 1950s, everything changed. Catches skyrocketed from 250,000 to over 800,000 tonnes annually by the 1960s. Warning signs were ignored, and by 1992, the fishery collapsed. It took only a few decades of industrial fishing to destroy what had survived centuries of traditional use. To this day, cod populations haven't recovered. We haven't learned our lesson. Scientists are now raising alarms about other major fisheries approaching collapse. We risk repeating history — only this time, on a global scale. But abandoning seafood isn't the solution. Fish are a critical source of nutrition and livelihood for billions. What we need is a radical transformation of how we fish. Last year, 30 leading ocean experts released '11 golden rules' for sustainable fishing. These go beyond outdated science and offer a more holistic vision that protects ecosystems, respects communities, and supports food security. Marine conservation and fishing can coexist. Off Baja California Sur, I've worked with organizations advocating for the Dos Mares Biosphere Reserve. It wouldn't ban all fishing, just industrial fishing. Thousands of local fishers support it. Their oceans have been depleted by industrial fleets, and they understand the need for change. Artisanal, small-scale fishers have stewarded the ocean for generations. They use traditional, low-impact methods, and their communities depend on the long-term health of the sea. Supporting them means supporting sustainability. We can live in harmony with the ocean. We can thrive from its bounty without destroying it. You don't have to give up seafood to protect the ocean. But knowing where your seafood comes from absolutely matters — and that's the first step toward sustaining what sustains us on this World Oceans Day. Paul Nicklen and Cristina Mittermeier co-founded SeaLegacy in 2014. SeaLegacy's mission is to inspire people to fall in love with the ocean, amplify a network of changemakers around the world, and catalyze hands-on diplomacy through hopeful, world-class visual storytelling. For more updates on their meaningful work, learn more about SeaLegacy, and subscribe to Ripple Effect, Katie Couric Media's sustainability newsletter. The post How Is Industrial Fishing Harming Oceans? Let Me Count the Ways appeared first on Katie Couric Media.
Mint
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Get your cues for ocean-inspired fashion here
We are a little over a week away from celebrating World Ocean's Day that is celebrated annually on 8 June. The central theme for the year is 'Sustainable Fishing Means More…" to raise awareness about sustainable fishing practices that will ensure the 'the health and abundance of marine resources for generations to come" states the Marine Stewardship Council. As conversations around protecting our oceans continue to gain ground year on year, it would also be timely to talk about how the expansive ocean and the marine life it holds in its depths have inspired fashion designers over the years. The 'mermaidcore' aesthetic that comes in iridescent colours and uses motifs of seashells and clams and pearls was a popular micro-trend a few years back. But every year, the refreshing tones of the ocean, from sea green to deep blue, and fascinating sea life including seahorses, starfishes, dolphins, whales, clown fishes and even sea weed have all been embroidered, stitched, moulded or painted onto multiple silhouettes. Lounge's round up shows you how you can add elements of marine life to add a splash of whimsy and joy into your wardrobe. Also read: Want to add a touch of Art Deco to your wardrobe? Here's some inspiration MANTA TIME Seiko's limited edition range seeks to raise money for ocean conservation efforts. What better way to have fun with this than with the iconic Seiko Turtle dive watch with an engraved blue dial featuring Manta Rays? Available on ₹54,000. MERMAID MODEL Inspired by amorphous glowing marine forms, this top by designer Amit Aggarwal is meticulously crafted in handwoven metallic polymer. Pair the top with pants or a fitted skirt for a statement-making look. Available on ₹54,500. HELLO NEMO If you are a fan of the movie, Finding Nemo here's a bag you'll find irresistable. This sea creature-inspired bag from label Anya Hindmarch has a recycled-satin base, leather trims, fin-shaped drawstrings and is embellished with pink and lime paillettes and crystal-encrusted eyes. Available on ₹1.14 lakh. SHE SELLS 9 SHELLS Nothing screams ocean-inspired fashion louder than accessories adorned with shells. Exude chill beach babe vibes with this necklace from Chloé crafted in vintage gold brass features nine shell pendants in various shapes around a short chain. A logo plate finishes this piece. Available on ₹1.06 lakh. Also read: Monsoon style: Boots and brollies BEACH-CODED If you are a beach person, your holiday wardrobe should have a few pieces of clothing with sea-inspired prints and patterns. Like this Versace gathered, stretch-jersey midi skirt. Featuring Barocco elements with coral, starfish and shell motifs and Medusa '95 hardware on the front wrap panel, pair it with a matching top or a white tank top. Available on ₹53,366. FISH FACE Crafted from glass, this quirky water green-hued jar seems life-like thanks to features like a set of fins and texture to resemble scales. Use it to store sweets or as a decorative feature and add some quirky humour into your home decor. Available on ₹12,503. DIVE BOMB Whether you are swimming in a pool in your apartment or bathing in the sea, a little element of fashion by way of swimming trunks is always a good idea. This pair of swim shorts with drawstring waist and all-over sea animals pattern from Emporio Armani is a neat addition. Available on ₹10,580. BEAD THE WAY Starfish are fascinating creatures - they are not fish, don't have brains or blood and can live up to 35 years. They also make for pretty motifs on any item of clothing or shoes. This pair of Valentino Garavani espadrilles crafted with fabric upper and leather lining look even more lively thanks to the neon-pink beaded starfish embellishments. Available on ₹51,170. Also read: Indian women's power dressing awaits a makeover
Associated Press
17-05-2025
- Science
- Associated Press
What's Up? Media Article on Menhaden Fails to Tell Both Sides
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESS Newswire / May 16, 2025 / A recent article by Lisa Lewis in What's Up? Media ('The Osprey-Menhaden Bay Connection,' 5/16) presents a one-sided perspective that echoes the claims of a well-funded coalition of special interest environmental groups, while ignoring the extensive scientific evidence and stakeholder voices that contradict their narrative. The piece amplifies talking points that have been challenged by federal agencies, independent scientists, and frontline workers in the industry, while repeating several inaccurate claims about the menhaden fishery. The Science Is Clear: Menhaden Are Not Overfished The article asserts that industrial fishing is to blame for a decline in menhaden abundance in the Bay, while omitting the overwhelming scientific consensus to the contrary. The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC), the agency that manages menhaden for East Coast states, has repeatedly found the stock to be healthy and sustainably managed. According to the Commission's most recent stock assessment, released in 2022, menhaden are not overfished, and overfishing is not occurring. The fishery operates under Ecological Reference Points, an ecosystem-based management approach that accounts for the needs of predators like striped bass, bluefish, and weakfish. In fact, less than 0.5% of menhaden born each year are harvested. The menhaden fishery is also certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the gold standard for international third-party environmental certification. USGS and VIMS Question Osprey Diet Claims The article relies on preliminary findings from a 2024 survey by the Center for Conservation Biology, suggesting menhaden scarcity is causing osprey chick reproduction failure in parts of the Chesapeake Bay. However, it does not mention a recent U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) letter to the House Natural Resources Committee, which responded to congressional questions about the osprey claims. In its letter, the USGS found no biologically significant change in the proportion of menhaden in osprey diets from 2006 to 2021. Menhaden made up a slightly higher portion of the diet in 2021, and any apparent changes were not statistically significant. The letter explained that many other factors - including adverse weather, nesting density, predator interactions, and prey accessibility - can impact osprey chick survival. It emphasized that striped bass is a key prey species for ospreys in parts of the Bay; striped bass is currently overfished, primarily due to recreational fishing mortality. Scientists with the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) also questioned the purported menhaden-osprey connection in a 2024 peer-reviewed response. VIMS noted that a previous 2023 study on osprey did not establish a causal relationship between menhaden availability and osprey reproduction. Ocean Harvesters Is a U.S. Company with American Crews The article claims the fishery is dominated by a 'Canadian-owned company,' which is wrong. While Omega Protein is part of the international Cooke, Inc. family of companies, the vessels that harvest menhaden are owned and operated by Ocean Harvesters - a U.S.-based, independently owned company with American-flagged vessels and unionized American crews. In 2024, the U.S. Maritime Administration confirmed the company is in full compliance with the American Fisheries Act, which regulates participation by foreign companies in U.S. fisheries. Omega Protein, based in Reedville, Virginia, processes the fish caught by Ocean Harvesters under a service agreement between the companies. These jobs support rural communities and represent one of the largest unionized workforces in the region. On Transparency and Collaboration The article repeats the false claim that Omega Protein refuses to share data with scientists, citing concerns raised by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Dr. Allison Colden. This suggestion is simply not true. Confidential landings data from the menhaden reduction fishery is routinely provided to NOAA, the ASMFC, and state regulators-including the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. This data is not casually handed out to competitors or to researchers affiliated with advocacy groups seeking to undermine the fishery; rather, it is shared with official scientific and regulatory bodies responsible for stock assessments and management decisions. This data is not publicly distributed because it is protected under federal confidentiality laws, just like commercial data from all fisheries. However, it is actively used in the development of all stock assessments, including the Ecological Reference Points that Dr. Colden herself has publicly supported. The entire scientific understanding of the health of the menhaden stock depends on this data. To suggest otherwise is either a misunderstanding of fisheries science or a willful attempt to mislead the public. In fact, the fishery has supported and participated in more than 15 research projects in collaboration with institutions such as VIMS and NOAA and contributed to the design of the Bay-specific study referenced in the article. Industry critics can't have it both ways-celebrating models built on this data while claiming the data isn't provided. Reasonable Precautions Are Already in Place The article accurately notes the Chesapeake Bay harvest cap has been cut repeatedly, from 109,020 metric tons in 2006 to 51,000 metric tons today - a reduction of more than 50%. That cap remains in place today as a precautionary safeguard, not in response to any scientifically derived or observed population decrease necessitating harvest cuts. Local Economic and Social Contributions In addition to its ecological and regulatory strengths, the menhaden fishery is a major driver of the local economy in Northumberland County, Virginia. The fishery, primarily operated by Omega Protein and its harvesting partner Ocean Harvesters, generates over $100 million in annual economic activity. If operations ceased, the region would face the loss of over 500 direct and indirect jobs, with Northumberland County bearing the brunt of this impact. The industry directly employs over 260 individuals and provides an annual payroll and benefits package of approximately $23 million. Fishery workers are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 400, which ensures strong collective bargaining rights, fair wages, and safe working conditions. This makes the menhaden fishery one of the largest union-represented private-sector employers in the region. Importantly, the fishery is one of Northumberland County's largest minority employers, providing stable, long-term jobs to a historically underrepresented workforce. The industry's community impact extends to local vendors and businesses supported by its operations. A Note on Media Integrity It's worth noting that Lisa Lewis's article ends with a telling admission: 'Special thanks to Valerie Keefer, Maryland communications & media relations manager, CBF, and Kenny Fletcher, director of communications and media relations, CBF.' This acknowledgment makes clear that the story was heavily influenced-if not directly shaped-by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's communications team. It raises serious questions about the objectivity of the piece, which lacks input from fisheries scientists, union workers, and others with direct knowledge of the fishery. For readers seeking a balanced view of the Chesapeake Bay's most regulated and scrutinized fishery, this article falls short. One modest but important positive is that Dr. Bryan Watts, quoted throughout the article, acknowledges uncertainty about the cause of reproductive issues in ospreys. This marks a notable shift from his previous public statements, which more definitively attributed the issue to the menhaden fishery. Dr. Watts now says, 'We do not know why menhaden have become less available to ospreys,' reflecting a more nuanced and scientifically appropriate stance given the complex web of factors at play. The menhaden fishery is highly regulated, science-based, and a vital part of the Bay's economy. The complex ecology of ospreys, striped bass, and menhaden deserves continued research - and that research should be conducted in good faith, not through premature conclusions or special interest narratives. About the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition The Menhaden Fisheries Coalition (MFC) is a collective of menhaden fishermen, related businesses, and supporting industries. Comprised of businesses along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, the Menhaden Fisheries Coalition conducts media and public outreach on behalf of the menhaden industry to ensure that members of the public, media, and government are informed of important issues, events, and facts about the fishery. Media Contact: Menhaden Fisheries Coalition (202) 595-1212 SOURCE: Menhaden Fisheries Coalition press release
Yahoo
08-04-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Mackerel slips further down the sustainability scale in latest ‘good fish guide'
Mackerel is under immense pressure from overfishing, conservationists warned, as they lowered its rating in the latest sustainable fish guide. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) has updated its Good Fish Guide, which uses a traffic light system for consumers, along with a one to five scale for businesses, to highlight seafood which is sustainable to eat. The charity warns that once-sustainable mackerel is in 'such decline' that Northeast Atlantic stock caught by midwater trawl – which makes up most of what supermarkets and restaurants sell – has been downgraded from a three to a four, recommending businesses do not source it. Mackerel caught in the Northeast Atlantic by hook and line moves down from a two to a three in the ratings. The Marine Conservation Society first took mackerel off the 'best choice' list, downgrading it from green to amber, two years ago, due to overfishing. Now it is warning that mackerel numbers are reaching breaking point. The charity said that although some management measures are in place, countries including the UK, Norway, Iceland and the Faroe Islands are all fishing the stock but there is no overall management plan across the fishery to prevent overfishing. The catch limits set by countries have consistently exceeded scientifically recommended levels by between 5% and 80% since 2009, and in the past four years, the total allowable catches were on average 39% higher than the scientific advice, the MCS said. Although the amount of mackerel caught has typically fallen below the catch limits, they have still exceeded recommended levels by an average of 23%, or 188,410 tonnes, the charity said. The conservationists called for countries to work together to develop a strategy that leads to the recovery of the mackerel stock. And they recommend consumers look for herring from the North Sea and eastern English Channel as a sustainable alternative, or opt for sardines from Cornwall which have been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. Alice Moore, Good Fish Guide manager at the MCS, said: 'It's deeply concerning to see a source of seafood that was once a sustainable choice in such decline. 'Mackerel is under immense pressure from fishing activities across multiple nations, and the stock will soon be no longer able to sustain itself. 'We're witnessing a steady decline in numbers, and they are nearing a breaking point. 'Immediate action must be taken by the UK Government to work with other nations to align catch limits with scientific advice.' An Environment Department (Defra) spokesperson said: 'Sustainability is at the heart of our approach to supporting the UK fishing industry and to our international negotiations. 'We have already taken action with Norway and the Faroe islands to reduce fishing pressure on the North East Atlantic mackerel stock. 'We continue to work closely with the other coastal states, including the EU, to reach an arrangement that will ensure the most productive and sustainable management of the stock possible.' Under the Good Fish Guide, which is updated twice a year, seafood is rated depending on where or how a species is caught or farmed, with the one and two grades coded green for the best choice options, while fish are amber-listed and given a three or four rating for improvements needed. Those rated worst, with a red traffic light and a five-rating, are classed as 'fish to avoid', while the MCS recommends businesses such as supermarkets and restaurants do not sell fish rated lower than a three. This spring's Good Fish Guide update also sees monkfish caught in the North Sea move from amber to green – becoming a 'best choice' fish – and blue marlin off the red list, from a five to a four, due to what the charity describes as a 'slight improvement' in fishing pressure. Farmed ratings remain the same, with certified responsibly produced basa and tilapia still green rated, and farmed bluefin tuna remaining red rated, the MCS said.
Yahoo
21-02-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rare species to be served up to Aussie diners as certified ‘sustainable' meal
Allowing trawlers to catch rare fish and serve them up to Aussie diners has long frustrated conservations. But an announcement by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) that an orange roughy population will be declared 'sustainable' under its certification scheme has sparked serious anger. The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) argues the decision could set an 'incredibly dangerous precedent', particularly if the fishery goes on to collapse. AMCS sustainable seafood program manager Adrian Meder is perplexed by the decision. 'We don't have to eat "endangered" species. Either do the work to get orange roughy off the "endangered species list", or go catch another fish,' he told Yahoo News. Related: New research reveals dark side of Aussie seafood industry MSC is a household name in Australia because its famous 'blue tick' can be seen on John West tuna cans in supermarkets. AMCS is worried the orange roughy decision will harm the image of "sustainably" caught seafood. 'The decision deliberately [goes against] the trust of Australians who are trying to enjoy seafood and look after the ocean at the same time.' Although orange roughy is believed to be increasingly rare, fishers can apply for permits from the government to trawl for it. The MSC certification aims to deliver an extra layer of trust because it contains more checks and balances. Orange roughy was listed as "conservation dependent" by the Commonwealth in 2006, a category that only relates to fish. This classification offers fewer protections than labels like "threatened" or "vulnerable to extinction" allowing ongoing harvesting of the species using methods designed to stop their numbers dropping. But the "conservation dependent" classification is controversial and in 2024, researchers called for the category to be overhauled, calling it a "loophole" in the system. Many conservationists critical of the term continue to refer to the species as "endangered". What's particularly contentious about commercially catching orange roughy is that it can live well beyond 140 years, and there are estimates some have reached 250 years. As a result, it is very slow to grow and breed, and this makes it vulnerable to overfishing. Trawling in 1980s and 1990s saw Australian populations plummet to just 30 per cent of original stock levels. Even if all orange roughy fishing was banned, numbers are expected to keep dropping for the next two decades, because the species doesn't sexually mature until between 20 and 40 years of age. Stocks aren't expected to recover to 48 per cent of previous levels until well beyond 2070. The proposal to certify the Australia Orange Roughy Eastern Zone, which lies east of the Tasmanian town of St Helens, will result in catch from the fishery becoming eligible for an MSC blue tick. However before that fish ends up on a menu or supermarket shelf, its supply chain must be verified. This decision was formally opposed by AMCS. It argued targeting a known breeding ground isn't wise as it could impact surrounding populations that are already depleted. On Friday, MSC announced an independent auditor rejected AMCS's case against certifying orange roughy following a two-day hearing. While MSC sets the standard for what's considered sustainable, it relies on decisions by third-party experts to determine whether it should apply its blue tick to individual fisheries. The fishery was assessed against its ability to maintain sustainable stocks, minimise environmental damage, and effectively manage the area and received a score of 80 out of 100. MSC will now issue a certificate until February 2030. Its ongoing validity will be subject to annual surveillance audits to track how fishing is affecting the population. 🐟 'Disgusting' photos of popular Aussie food spark furious debate 🏡 Sad photos of empty Aussie town after foreign investors buy 13,000 hectares ❌ Calls for Bunnings, Mitre 10, Coles and Woolworths to ditch 'toxic' product AMCS had questioned how a species listed by the Commonwealth as needing protection could also be approved as a targeted fish under the MSC fishing standard. It argued more research was required to determine whether the recovery of already depleted neighbouring fisheries was dependent on a known breeding ground within the Australia Orange Roughy Eastern Zone. 'We don't know how the orange roughy in the nine surrounding areas are connected. But we do know all of the fish populations in those areas, except for two, are overfished to the level which has given them "endangered" species status,' Meder said. 'The Australia Orange Roughy Eastern Zone contains the only known major breeding area for the fish in all of those regions.' Following the assessment, MSC thanked everyone involved in the process including AMCS, the fishery, and the auditor. "Stakeholder contributions are valuable and contribute to thorough fishery assessments," it said in a statement. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? 🐊🦘😳 Get our new newsletter showcasing the week's best stories.
