Deep-sea fishing needs tougher regulation - report

Deep-sea fishing needs tougher regulation - report

European Union member states should take a stronger approach to deep-sea fishing regulation, as several species and ecosystems are becoming highly threatened by the practice, say WWF and wildlife trade monitoring network TRAFFIC.

The jointly-produced ‘Managing Risk and Uncertainty in Deep-Sea Fisheries’ report encourages a clampdown on unregulated fishing and the introduction of tough measures such as bans to allow stocks to recover sustainable numbers.

Helen McLachlan, WWF marine policy officer said; "In December 2002 EU Member States committed to adopting an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management. Deepwater species and habitats offer a prime example of where they need to act on this commitment. A more precautionary approach to management of deep-sea species and their habitats is essential if we are to avoid species such as orange roughy becoming commercially extinct."

Scientific evidence shows that deep-water fish species need to be carefully managed to due to long-life and reproductive cycles. The report finds that around 40% of the world’s fisheries are now considered to be ‘deep-sea’.

Anna Willock, TRAFFIC's Senior Fisheries Advisor and one of the co-authors of the report added; "In 25 years of commercial fishing, over one million tonnes of orange roughy have been caught. These levels have proven to be unsustainable and despite this management has failed to act responsibly.”