Europe The European Union has acted decisively against illegal fishing, a problem that puts marine ecosystems and the economies of the countries affected at risk. In its fight to eradicate this practice, the European Union has imposed sanctions historical to three countries: Belize, Cambodia y GuineaThese nations will not be able to export fish to the EU or allow European vessels to operate in their waters.
Since the implementation of the regulation in 2008, this is the first time that such significant measures have been taken against the illegal fishing. Brussels has made good on its warnings, setting a precedent for the rest of the world in terms of fisheries governance. The European market, the largest in the world, is becoming aware of the impact of the sustainability fisheries. These moves underline Europe's commitment to ensuring that fish reaching consumers is sustainable financing model, protecting both the biodiversity and the economy of fishing communities.
Belize, Cambodia y Guinea, after multiple warnings, have finally been sanctioned. However, the European Commission has left open the possibility of lifting the measures if these countries make real and lasting efforts to combat illegal fishing.
Impact of illegal fishing on marine ecosystems
Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing (IUU) poses serious threats to marine ecosystems. Unregulated practices lead to the excessive exploitation of various species, upsetting the balance of ecosystems. Many of the methods used, such as the use of bottom trawls, result in the destruction of sensitive habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds.
Consequences on biodiversity
One of the main consequences of illegal fishing is the incidental capture of Endangered Species, such as sharks, turtles and marine mammals. These species often die as a result of accidental fishing, which affects both the ecological balance of the waters and the survival of these key species.
A Greenpeace report indicates that in addition to the capture of protected species, many of the target species are also highly overexploited. It is estimated that more than 33% of the assessed fish stocks are overexploited, resulting in an unbalanced ecosystem. The additional pressure caused by illegal fishing aggravates this situation, negatively affecting the marine food chain.
trawling, a technique predominantly used in illegal fishing, has been singled out as one of the most destructive for both habitats and marine biodiversity. Scouring the ocean floor, this method destroys entire ecosystems, generating huge emissions of carbon trapped in marine sediments.
Impact on mangroves and coral reefs
Another harmful effect of illegal fishing is the destruction of mangroves y coral reefs. Mangroves, for example, are key ecosystems because they act as a natural barrier against storms and are vital habitats for the development of many marine species. It is estimated that up to 50% of mangroves has been lost in recent decades due to human intervention, including destructive fishing.
In addition, coral reefs, which are essential for marine biodiversity, are also severely affected. Illegal fishing involving techniques such as the use of dynamite destroys large areas of reef, eliminating complex ecosystems that take decades to recover.
Socioeconomic consequences of illegal fishing
In addition to the devastating impact on the environment, illegal fishing has profound socio-economic implications, especially in developing countries that depend on fishing as a primary source of income and food.
Global economic losses
According to FAO, illegal fishing is responsible for significant economic losses. Annual losses are estimated to have amounted to between 1999 and 2000. 11 y 23 one billion dollars. About 26 billion tons fish are caught illegally every year, affecting both the global fish market and the food security of local communities.
These illegal practices not only cause economic losses for local fishermen, but also harm consumers, who often end up buying fish caught using unsustainable methods. In many cases, the quality and safety of these products that reach international markets cannot be guaranteed.
Impact on local fishing communities
Coastal communities, especially in developing countries, are the most affected by illegal fishing. Overexploitation of marine resources leads to a decline in fish stocks, affecting the ability of these local populations to sustain themselves in the long term. This, in turn, limits access to a key source of food and directly affects their livelihoods.
In places like West Africa and Southeast Asia, foreign industrial fishing fleets, many of them engaged in illegal fishing, have devastated local fisheries resources, fuelling poverty and displacing local fishers into illicit activities or forcing them to emigrate.
Overfishing and illegal fishing: a global crisis
The current situation of illegal fishing cannot be understood without addressing the problem of overfishing affecting our oceans. According to Greenpeace, the 60% of fish stocks are exploited to the limit, and more than 30% are overexploited, which seriously endangers the sustainability of the oceans.
Overfishing, combined with illegal practices, has caused the collapse of several key species, including the Red tuna in the Atlantic and the cod in the northeastern United States and Canada. In addition, practices such as fishing for bottom trawl Not only does it contribute to overfishing, it also releases large amounts of carbon accumulated in marine sediments, a factor that contributes to climate change.
Displacement of local communities
In many cases, illegal industrial fishing displaces artisanal fishermen. These practices not only affect the local economy, but also alter social dynamics, causing tensions. Communities that have historically depended on fishing resources now have to compete with illegal fleets that deplete resources.
International efforts to combat illegal fishing
The international community has implemented various initiatives to curb illegal fishing. Among the most important is the Agreement on Port State Measures of the FAO, which seeks to prevent products obtained through illegal fishing from entering international distribution chains.
Regional and international collaboration
More than 60 countries have ratified this agreement, committing to stricter controls on fishing activities in their ports. In addition, the agreement encourages cooperation between nations to track, monitor and stop illegal activities.
Other key efforts include collaboration between agencies at local and national levels to identify illegal vessels and prevent them from taking refuge in countries where laws are more lax. The use of technology, such as satellite monitoring systems, has allowed countries to closely follow the movements of fleets, identifying suspicious patterns.
Sustainable fishing certification
Countries such as Chile and Peru have adopted certification initiatives to ensure that their fishery products comply with sustainable regulations, such as those promoted by organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)These certifications allow consumers to identify products that have been caught legally and sustainably.
European Union measures
La European Union has been one of the most prominent actors in the fight against illegal fishing. Its main measures include catch certificates, which guarantee that the origin of the fish is legal and sustainableThis certification process aims to discourage the trade of products derived from illegal fishing.
In addition, the EU has promoted the creation of marine protected areas where fishing is regulated or completely banned. This not only protects endangered species, but also encourages the recovery of marine ecosystems affected by overfishing and illegal fishing.
In Latin America, countries such as Peru and Chile have adopted similar regulations based on the European model, seeking to make a difference in the fight against illegal fishing in the region.
The European Union's commitment and efforts to combat illegal fishing have set a significant precedent at a global level, and highlight the importance of international cooperation to ensure the protection of our oceans for future generations.