My Childhood Memories and The Unsustainable Reality of Modern-Day Fishing

As a child, my love for fishing ignited a deep passion within me. Before the sun even rose, I would eagerly wake up at 4 am in Büyükada, bursting with excitement to join the fishermen on their expeditions. They welcomed me warmly, despite my tender age, and I was thrilled to be part of their world.

On the boat, surrounded by experienced fishermen, I witnessed their skill and expertise firsthand. Cast after cast, they summoned the riches of the sea, and I was captivated by the thrill of the chase. Together, we reeled in our bountiful catch, and a sense of accomplishment filled my heart. Little did I know, this was only the beginning of my journey.

Upon our return, a new role awaited me – assisting the fishermen in selling our fresh catch at the bustling market. The lively atmosphere was electrifying, with the aroma of the ocean mingling with excited chatter. People couldn't resist the charm of an innocent 5-year-old boy proudly presenting the finest selection of fish. I kept the best fish as my own reward for helping. It was a successful endeavor, and my family and I savored the fruits of our labor with many fish-filled meals during those unforgettable summers.

This early childhood experience shaped my love for the sea. It was a simple yet fulfilling experience, and it taught me to appreciate the beauty and richness of nature.

However, modern-day fishing is far from the idealized romantic image of my childhood memories of seaside holidays and fishing villages. With a global workforce of 60 million people and providing a vital protein option for 3 billion individuals, the fishing industry has experienced a quadruple increase in seafood production over the last 50 years, totaling 177.8 million tons in 2020 alone. This has resulted in an astonishing doubling of seafood consumption per individual since the 1970s, demonstrating the immense demand for this industry.

Sadly, this exponential growth has come at a high cost. Fishing techniques have become increasingly destructive, leading to unsustainable levels of wild fish populations. One-third of the world's fish stocks are being overfished or depleted, which poses a significant threat to ocean ecosystems. Shockingly, overfishing has wiped out more than 70% of specific shark populations over the past 50 years, with white-tip sharks being among the hardest hit, with a 98% population drop due to overfishing. Illegal fishing accounts for 20-50% of the global catch, further exacerbating the depletion of our oceans' resources.

The consequences of this overfishing are far-reaching, not only for ocean ecosystems but also for the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on fishing as their only source of income. Many coastal communities rely on small-scale fishing for subsistence, but illegal, unregulated, and unreported (IUU) fishing has made this increasingly difficult.

Take West Africa, for example. Chinese industrial fishing companies have directly competed with local fishermen, even using local "front" companies to sell fish back to the community at unfair prices. The economic importance of the fishing industry in this region cannot be overstated, as it generates approximately 2% of the country's GDP and employs over 600,000 people. Over the last five years, the income of 80-90% of Ghanaian fishermen has been severely impacted, highlighting the devastating consequences of IUU fishing.

China is the world's largest subsidizer of fishing operations, paying approximately $2 billion annually for fuel subsidies and tax incentives to build new boats. With approximately 3,600 vessels, the Chinese fleet routinely violates 'catch limits' and kills protected species, placing additional strain on already depleted stocks. Over the past two decades, China's fleet has expanded rapidly and has come under fire for its unsustainable and illegal fishing practices.

While other countries have their own fishing fleets, China is responsible for the majority (38%) of distant-water activities of the world's ten largest fleets in other countries' waters. This is a manifestation of China's rising economic influence around the world, affecting international waters from the Indian Ocean to the South Pacific, along the African coast, and off the coast of South America.

There are already measures being taken to combat illegal fishing activities, such as the World Trade Organization's agreement that prohibits harmful fishing subsidies, representing a significant advancement in ocean sustainability. China also released a five-year plan for the fishing industry, promising to crack down on IUU fishing and strengthen supervision over distant-water fleets. However, the sincerity of the government's actions remains to be seen.

The US has also taken a major step in combating unethical fishing practices by imposing sanctions on several China-based firms involved in distant-water fishing abuses. These sanctions target abusive practices that violate human rights, undermine labor and environmental standards, and harm the economic prospects of local populations in the Indo-Pacific region.

The devastating consequences of illegal fishing extend far beyond just the depletion of our oceans' resources. It impacts the livelihoods of millions of people, undermines labor and environmental standards, and harms the economic prospects of local populations. It is imperative that we take action to combat this global, strategic dilemma and work together toward a collaborative solution.

NO-TAKE ZONES FOR SURVIVAL

Research has shown that one-third of the oceans should be designated as no-take zones to ensure the survival of marine ecosystems. No-take zones can restore fish populations to their natural state, enhancing the biomass, density, and diversity of marine life. They can also help buffer the impacts of climate change by increasing the adaptability of marine ecosystems.

Furthermore, no-take zones can benefit fishers by generating a spillover effect of larger and more plentiful fish in adjacent areas, improving their catch and income. A study by Marine Policy showed that no-take zones could increase fish biomass and biodiversity by up to 670%.

Law enforcement plays a pivotal role in safeguarding protected areas and deterring fishermen from entering these zones. Captain Pete Bethune , a renowned conservationist and the founder of Earthrace Conservation, intimately understands the challenges of thwarting these fleets. He has made significant contributions in combating illegal fishing and the illicit trade in exotic species while holding the remarkable world record for the longest marine voyage accomplished on biodiesel.

To bolster his efforts, Pete ingeniously repurposed a former US Navy vessel to enhance patrols in the waters. Embracing cutting-edge technology, such as drones, he fights against overfishing in collaboration with local authorities in Costa Rica.

As a devoted volunteer, Pete extends his support in combating a range of illicit activities, including illegal fishing, poaching, gold mining, logging, and farming. His contributions are far-reaching, as he generously offers the use of his ship, two small inflatable vessels, a K9 tracking unit, a drone, provisions, on-board housing for rangers, and fuel.

During our conversation for my book, "A Mountain to Climb," Pete underscored the two significant hurdles in addressing overfishing: the scarcity of resources and the absence of international agreements. It is evident that he is willing to make great sacrifices, as he passionately states, "You haven't lived until you find a cause worth dying for."

A DELICATE DANCE OF GIVE AND TAKE

As we reflect on the importance of our oceans and their inhabitants, we cannot overlook the wise words of renowned American marine biologist Sylvia Earle. She reminds us that every fish, no matter how small, plays an integral role in sustaining the delicate balance of our oceans and planet.

Through their natural behaviors, fish fertilize the water and generate the plankton that forms the foundation of the ocean's food chain. They indirectly support the capture of carbon and production of oxygen by coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests.

It's a delicate dance of give and take that we must respect and preserve.

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