Latest news with #WesternandCentralPacificFisheriesCommission
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Greenpeace Analysis Reveals Almost Half A Million Blue Sharks Caught As ‘bycatch' In Central And Western Pacific In 2023
Press Release – Greenpeace The international waters between New Zealand and Australia are globally renowned precisely because of the range and variety of ocean life that lives there, from deep sea corals growing on seamounts to sharks, seabirds and migrating whales. A new analysis of the latest fisheries data by Greenpeace Australia Pacific has revealed widespread slaughter of sharks in the Pacific Ocean by industrial longline fishers. The analysis estimates that almost half a million blue sharks were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023, the highest number in recorded history since 1991. Greenpeace estimates that around 438,500 near-threatened blue sharks, almost 50 million kilograms, were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023 from Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WFCPFC) data. The figure is double the 2015 numbers. The analysis of shark bycatch data also revealed that the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea areas between New Zealand and Australia had some of the highest rates of birds caught on fishing lines – 13% of bycatch from longliners were seabirds like albatross. Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans campaigner Juan Parada says, 'This rampant destruction of critical ocean life in the high seas between New Zealand and Australia highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to protect the oceans.' 'The Tasman Sea faces multiple threats from industrial fishing. We've recently seen firsthand the destruction caused by bottom trawlers in a similar area of the high seas, where we witnessed graveyards of destroyed coral. Now we see that almost half a million blue sharks were unnecessarily killed in the West and Central Pacific in 2023. That's so many sharks that if stacked nose to tail, they would reach the International Space Station and back. 'The international waters between New Zealand and Australia are globally renowned precisely because of the range and variety of ocean life that lives there, from deep sea corals growing on seamounts to sharks, seabirds and migrating whales. 'It's such a significant place that Greenpeace and allies are calling for it to be one of the world's first global ocean sanctuaries and it must be protected from longlining and bottom trawling so ocean life can thrive,' says Parada. In October last year a New Zealand bottom trawler, t he Tasman Viking, pulled up several types of deep-sea coral while trawling in international waters of the Tasman Sea. The incident happened on Lord Howe Rise, a region renowned for diverse marine life including corals, sponges, whales and seabirds. Parada says, 'While some countries are working constructively towards protecting the high seas, New Zealand is actively blocking meaningful ocean protection. Shockingly New Zealand is the only country still bottom trawling these waters. 'To protect the Tasman Sea, New Zealand must stop bottom trawling and get on with helping to create global ocean sanctuaries so all the life that lives there can thrive.' Scientists agree that to help stave off the worst of the climate crisis at least 30% of the world's oceans must be protected from industrial harm by 2030. Creating global ocean sanctuaries in international waters like the Tasman Sea, those areas outside of any one country's jurisdiction, will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. In 2023 the world won the Global Ocean Treaty, which provides the legal framework for these sanctuaries, but first it must be passed into law. Parada says, 'Now is the time for cooperation in ocean protection. Every day that passes without the Global Oceans Treaty in force, marine species are being pushed closer to the brink of extinction by the industrial fishing fleet in the high seas.' Greenpeace Australia Pacific spokesperson Georgia Whitaker says of the shark bycatch data, 'The data is deeply disturbing – it's a devastating record and a testament to the destructive nature of the industrial fishing industry. Sharks and other animals dying by the hundreds of thousands a year in this one patch of ocean, brutally killed by a legal and indiscriminate fishing practice like longlining. This is an appalling legacy our global leaders are leaving while the blue lungs of our planet are already facing chronic decline. Industrial fishing is sucking our ocean dry, fuelling the biodiversity crisis, and pushing prehistoric animals like sharks to the brink of extinction. Healthy shark populations are central to a healthy ocean – this is a loss we can't afford.' Ahead of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, in June, Greenpeace is calling on governments to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty. Both New Zealand and Australia have signed the treaty but have yet to bring it into force.
Scoop
21-05-2025
- General
- Scoop
Greenpeace Analysis Reveals Almost Half A Million Blue Sharks Caught As ‘bycatch' In Central And Western Pacific In 2023
A new analysis of the latest fisheries data by Greenpeace Australia Pacific has revealed widespread slaughter of sharks in the Pacific Ocean by industrial longline fishers. The analysis estimates that almost half a million blue sharks were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023, the highest number in recorded history since 1991. Greenpeace estimates that around 438,500 near-threatened blue sharks, almost 50 million kilograms, were caught as bycatch in the region in 2023 from Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WFCPFC) data. The figure is double the 2015 numbers. The analysis of shark bycatch data also revealed that the Lord Howe Rise and South Tasman Sea areas between New Zealand and Australia had some of the highest rates of birds caught on fishing lines - 13% of bycatch from longliners were seabirds like albatross. Greenpeace Aotearoa oceans campaigner Juan Parada says, "This rampant destruction of critical ocean life in the high seas between New Zealand and Australia highlights the urgent need for international cooperation to protect the oceans." "The Tasman Sea faces multiple threats from industrial fishing. We've recently seen firsthand the destruction caused by bottom trawlers in a similar area of the high seas, where we witnessed graveyards of destroyed coral. Now we see that almost half a million blue sharks were unnecessarily killed in the West and Central Pacific in 2023. That's so many sharks that if stacked nose to tail, they would reach the International Space Station and back. "The international waters between New Zealand and Australia are globally renowned precisely because of the range and variety of ocean life that lives there, from deep sea corals growing on seamounts to sharks, seabirds and migrating whales. "It's such a significant place that Greenpeace and allies are calling for it to be one of the world's first global ocean sanctuaries and it must be protected from longlining and bottom trawling so ocean life can thrive," says Parada. In October last year a New Zealand bottom trawler, t he Tasman Viking, pulled up several types of deep-sea coral while trawling in international waters of the Tasman Sea. The incident happened on Lord Howe Rise, a region renowned for diverse marine life including corals, sponges, whales and seabirds. Parada says, "While some countries are working constructively towards protecting the high seas, New Zealand is actively blocking meaningful ocean protection. Shockingly New Zealand is the only country still bottom trawling these waters. "To protect the Tasman Sea, New Zealand must stop bottom trawling and get on with helping to create global ocean sanctuaries so all the life that lives there can thrive." Scientists agree that to help stave off the worst of the climate crisis at least 30% of the world's oceans must be protected from industrial harm by 2030. Creating global ocean sanctuaries in international waters like the Tasman Sea, those areas outside of any one country's jurisdiction, will play a crucial role in achieving this goal. In 2023 the world won the Global Ocean Treaty, which provides the legal framework for these sanctuaries, but first it must be passed into law. Parada says, "Now is the time for cooperation in ocean protection. Every day that passes without the Global Oceans Treaty in force, marine species are being pushed closer to the brink of extinction by the industrial fishing fleet in the high seas." Greenpeace Australia Pacific spokesperson Georgia Whitaker says of the shark bycatch data, "The data is deeply disturbing - it's a devastating record and a testament to the destructive nature of the industrial fishing industry. Sharks and other animals dying by the hundreds of thousands a year in this one patch of ocean, brutally killed by a legal and indiscriminate fishing practice like longlining. This is an appalling legacy our global leaders are leaving while the blue lungs of our planet are already facing chronic decline. Industrial fishing is sucking our ocean dry, fuelling the biodiversity crisis, and pushing prehistoric animals like sharks to the brink of extinction. Healthy shark populations are central to a healthy ocean - this is a loss we can't afford." Ahead of the United Nations Oceans Conference in Nice, France, in June, Greenpeace is calling on governments to ratify the Global Ocean Treaty. Both New Zealand and Australia have signed the treaty but have yet to bring it into force.
News18
02-05-2025
- General
- News18
World Tuna Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance, And Celebrations
Last Updated: World Tuna Day aims to raise awareness about the importance of halting overfishing and adopting sustainable practices to preserve tuna populations. World Tuna Day 2025: Every year on May 2, World Tuna Day is observed to raise awareness about the importance of conserving and protecting tuna populations. This day holds special significance for those involved in tuna fishing and conservation efforts. Tuna is a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, minerals, and Vitamin B12, making it highly valued worldwide. However, its popularity has led to immense demand and the threat of overfishing. To address these concerns and highlight the critical need for sustainable tuna preservation, the United Nations Assembly officially declared May 2 as World Tuna Day. World Tuna Day 2025 Theme This year, the theme for World Tuna Day is 'Our Ocean, Our Tuna, Our Future." The theme emphasises the need for sustainable management of tuna stocks to ensure the health of our oceans and the future of this vital resource. World Tuna Day History World Tuna Day was first proposed at a meeting of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission in 2011. In recognition of the urgent need to conserve tuna populations and promote sustainable fishing practices, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared May 2 as World Tuna Day in 2016. Significance of World Tuna Day The primary goal of World Tuna Day is to raise awareness about the importance of halting overfishing and adopting sustainable practices to preserve tuna populations. Many countries depend on tuna as a key part of their diet, but with the industry's continuous expansion, there are growing concerns about the long-term sustainability of tuna fishing. World Tuna Day is marked globally, transcending borders and regions. Activities such as awareness campaigns, conservation events, and educational programs are organised by both government and non-government organisations to promote the importance of tuna preservation. Key Facts Tuna are highly migratory and can travel thousands of miles across the ocean. As apex predators, they are capable of diving to great depths and swimming at speeds of up to 43 kilometers per hour. Tuna have the unique ability to maintain a body temperature higher than that of the surrounding water. Some species, like the Atlantic bluefin, can grow up to 10 feet in length and weigh nearly 2,000 pounds. First Published: May 02, 2025, 07:00 IST
