50 countries join forces to combat pirate fishing

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

International agreement marks a small step toward enforcing fisheries

Endangered swordfish may benefit from an international fisheries agreement.

Fishermen tend nets in Saranda, Albania. PHOTO BY BOB BERWYN.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — More than 50 countries have taken a small step to combat unreported, unregulated and illegal fishing that is decimating numerous species of commercially important species like tuna. Illegal fishing results in $23 billion in economic losses each year.

Better enforcement of fishing regulations, together with ound science and effective management are essential to the sustainability of these wide-ranging species that are highly valued in commercial and recreational fisheries.

“Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing undermines the sustainability of fisheries and the ability of fishermen who abide by the rules to make a decent living,” NOAA administrator Jane Lubchenco said in a press release. “Sharing information on IUU vessels across oceans will strengthen enforcement and prevent legal and sustainable fishing operations from being disadvantaged in the global marketplace.” (more…)

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Biodiversity: Tuna populations verging on collapse

Posted on July 10, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

A rampant black market and lax regulations are quickly leading to the demise of the eastern Atlantic bluefin tuna.

Drastic reductions in catch needed to recover populations

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — You may want to think twice before you order your next plate of sushi. Five of eight tuna species have been assigned threatened or near-threatened status on the international Red List maintained by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.

The listing comes as the IUCN completes an assessment of all species of scombrids (tunas, bonitos, mackerels and Spanish mackerels) and billfishes (swordfish and marlins). Of the 61 known species, seven are classified in a threatened category, being at serious risk of extinction. Four species are listed as near threatened, while nearly two-thirds have been placed in the least concern category.

The only way to recover tuna populations before they collapse completely is to drastically reduce fishing and to enforce those regulations, a group of international researchers said in a strongly worded warning. (more…)

Filed under: biodiversity, endangered species, Environment, Marine biology, wildlife | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments »

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