Yesterday the Guardian reported that pirate fishing is claiming up to 30% of the catch from local fishermen. While illegal fishing is a global phenomena, the impact is particularly serious in African waters, where local communities rely on the fishery as a stable food source.
While much has been written of the influx in piracy off the coast of Somalia, it’s important to note that the vast majority of these illegal fishing boats are foreign owned. Corporate ships from the foreign waters of Europe, South America and China currently account for upward of 700 boats illegally trawling of the coast of Somalia. Off the coast of Guinea, 60% of all boats are there illegally.
Now here’s what I don’t get: Everyone knows that global fisheries are collapsing. In April the EU launched aircraft patrol to insure over fishing of the Blue Fin Tuna didn’t occur during the fishing season (though why we still fish for a recognized endangered species at all is beyond me…) In May, a study which aggregated historical abundance of marine life confirmed a dramatic drop in species abundance, with today’s oceans containing only one 10th of what existed in days past.
Why are we still fishing? More importantly, why are we stealing fish from foreign waters? Much is made of the practice of using malaria nets for fishing. While I certainly don’t condone the practice, I’ll take it over illegal commercial long lines, trawling for endangered species and leaving hungry people hungrier.
