Use + Remix

Empty oceans

Tracking data from fishing vessels can hold a wealth of information. : Npsiegel/WikimediaCommons CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/deed.en

Gathering reliable data from the high seas can be difficult and opaque.

Empty oceans

Overfishing is depleting global fish stocks: Here’s what we can do about it

Gathering reliable data from the high seas can be difficult and opaque.

Economy
Plastic nurdles look unassuming, but the damage they do to the environment is significant. : Mark Dixon, Flickr CC BY 4.0

For producers of microplastic ‘nurdle’ pellets, the price of packaging is often more than the cost of letting it spill into the ocean.

Empty oceans

Citizen action to stem microplastic pollution

For producers of microplastic ‘nurdle’ pellets, the price of packaging is often more than the cost of letting it spill into the ocean.

Environment
Fish stocks and seas face multiple threats, but solutions to restore our vast blue ecosystem exist. : Michael Joiner, 360info CC BY 4.0

Backgrounder: 435 words

Fish stocks and seas face multiple threats, but marine scientists are working to find solutions to restore our vast blue ecosystem.

12 perspectives

13 perspectives
Special Report

Empty oceans

Fish stocks and seas face multiple threats, but marine scientists are working to find solutions to restore our vast blue ecosystem.

Environment
Illegal fishing creates additional pressure on small-scale fishers who rely on the resources to live. : Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade/Conor Ashleigh, Flickr CC BY 2.0: https://www.flickr.com/photos/106853342@N04/10662091813

Lessons from the ethical clothing movement, forest stewardship and other transparency initiatives could help end illegal fishing.

World fisheries day

Bait to plate: making fishing supply chains more transparent

Environment
The cumulative effects of ocean noise almost certainly lead to overall catch declines. : Tony Hisgett CC BY 2.0

Shipping and sonar bombard the ocean with noise and disrupt fish communication and behaviour. Countries need to work together to restore the quiet of the deep.

Empty oceans

Dulling the ocean racket to save fish stocks

Environment
Interactive: Global maps of reported fishing, estimates of illegal fishing and estimates of discarded fishing. : James Goldie, 360info CC BY 4.0

Fish stocks and seas face multiple threats, but marine scientists are working to find solutions to restore our vast blue ecosystem.

World fisheries day

Interactive: Global fishing hotspots

Economy
The root causes of overfishing extend well beyond the amount of boats in the water. : Serg Zhukov, Unsplash CC BY 4.0 (https://unsplash.com/photos/fNrCZRWuZD0)

A dwindling supply of the world’s fish is an all-encompassing problem, and finding a solution will require a holistic look.

World fisheries day

Overfishing fix needs more than money

Environment
Many parts of fish, including their fins, are often discarded as waste. : PxHere CC0 Public Domain

Fish meat grown from discarded fins could be the next sustainable food solution.

Reducing food waste

Scientists want to turn fish fins into sashimi

Science
Inshore fishers use smaller boats and have lower environmental impacts. : Bernard Spragg, Flickr CC0 1.0 Public domain

Restricting subsidised high-seas fishing and supporting the local catch benefits fish, fishers and coastal communities.

World fisheries day

The misnomer of sustainable fishing

Economy