Illegal, under reported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a serious threat facing our oceans. One that can upset the specialized balance of ocean ecosystems already struggling to maintain their integrity.

Illegal fishing occurs when violation are made towards local and international fishing laws, often by catching over the designated amount allowed, under reporting total catch, or by catching species in areas with little to no regulatory oversight. Fishing laws are in place primarily to ensure ecosystem sustainability and to preserve our ocean’s resources. However, illegal fishing is often difficult to prevent due to the vastness of the sea and the need to feed growing human populations. Thankfully, there are ways to help deter IUU fishing currently being enacted across the globe.

Illegal fishing is a problem for economies, communities, and for marine ecosystems. For example, bottom trawling, the practice of dragging massive nets by a boat across the ocean floor can devastate entire ecosystems. As the large nets are dragged across areas of the ocean (sometimes the size of a football fields or greater) extensive damage is caused to corals, aquatic plants, and to other marine species. In fact, species caught in these nets or injured by them are considered bycatch and must suffer unnecessary deaths. Many marine areas damaged by large scale fishing initiatives can take many years – if not hundreds – to recover to their natural states.

Additionally, illegal fishing accounts for almost 20% of fish caught each year. If IUU fishing is so widespread, why hasn’t it been regulated more heavily? The answer is simple: due to the nature of the fishing industry, violations can be extremely difficult to identify. The ocean is simply too large for authorities to patrol effectively in its entirety. Another challenge with regulating IUU fishing is the fact that many illegally caught fish are mixed in and sold alongside legally caught fish, making it difficult to track their true origin.

Thankfully, there are methods currently being employed that can more effectively limit and deter the practice of illegal fishing. One simple way is to more closely inspect catches and not allow profits to be made off of species illegally caught; whether intended or not. Another way is for the quantity of fish caught, as well as equipment used, to be carefully inspected to be sure IUU fishing is not taking place. Organizations like NOAA work with law enforcement and government authorities to ensure vessels involved in IUU fishing aren’t allowed to enter certain ports. When the monetary value can be reduced, demand for illegally caught species might also be mitigated. As a consumer, we can also do research to ensure we are not purchasing fish caught by companies found to be in use of illegal practices.

Illegal fishing is a practice that is undeniably too destructive to continue. Our oceans and their ecosystems are already struggling to maintain their integrity in the face of pollution and fish farming. IUU fishing is just one more act that continues to upset the delicate balance of our ocean ecosystems. It is a frustratingly difficult issue to address, but raising awareness and holding authorities accountable for reporting illegal activity, as well as supporting organizations that combat IUU such as NOAA, can help to prevent this harmful scourge that is damaging our oceans.

Image credit: World Ocean Review