‘Illegal fishing’ refers to unauthorized and unsupervised fishing methods that are carried out in international waters. These methods breach the rules and regulations of the fishing industry.
Illegal fishing also includes fishing adventures that operate outside of allotted fishing times and harvesting seasons. Catches from these trips are sold in the black market at high prices.
Indulging in these fishing methods and unauthorized fishing protocols is hazardous to the environment and threatens the marine population.
The following are some illegal fishing methods that are hazardous to the ocean, as well as to the species that inhabit it:
Bottom Trawling
Bottom trawling is perhaps the most harmful fishing method on this list. It can be categorized as an industrial technique that employs huge nets that are weighed down with the help of ballasts.
These ballasts drag the net down to the sea bed, squashing and collecting everything that comes in their way—including fish and other aquatic life.
Species that are already on the brink of extinction can get caught in these nets. Even after they’re returned to sea, they often can’t survive in the aftermath due to injuries.
Some of the places where these nets are strewn include feeding grounds.
The bottom trawling method leaves scars on the sea bed that can cause permanent harm to the ecosystem.
Bycatch
This method refers to catching the wrong size of fish, species that were not part of the fisher’s intent, and some that are not in demand. Bycatch fishing can also harm populations of creatures that are on the verge of extinction, including turtles, aquatic mammals, and birds.
On most occasions, the species are returned to the sea because the boat may not have a license to hold them. However, the number of fish that are caught by mistake can amount to over millions, which either then die or are injured when thrown back into the sea.
Use Of Explosives
This method has been used for years—illegally. Explosions in the ocean have the potential to create huge ripples range from 10–20 square meters across the ocean bed. Not only do they kill the targeted fish, but they also endanger neighboring species. Coral reefs, for example, can be destroyed in the process, and it may take years for them to regenerate.
If you’re looking for safe methods of fishing and are willing to learn, get in touch with the experts at Tag Cabo Sportfishing. You can also charter our Albemarle 38ft yacht in Cabo. Get in touch to know more about our services!