It’s not all bad news in the world of ocean conservation — this year’s victories at sea brought us closer to a more sustainable future.
With the rise of micro-plastics and the ever-looming threat of a depleted fish supply — it’s sometimes hard to sift through the bad news to see the good. But 2023 did bring some refreshing ripples of change for our OCEANS — particularly for its fisheries. Here are a few victories leading us to a more sustainable future:
- Initiative to decrease bycatch in the West Coast of the US: This initiative marks the approval of new fishing gear that is specifically designed to prevent bycatch for swordfish fishing. This new device only has three hooks and a single line to ensure that only swordfish are caught in the process.
- New EU fishing boat tracking requirement: A new law passed by the European Union requires all fishing boats to install tracking devices by 2030. This will increase fishing transparency and tracking.
- Philippines moves to rebuild sardine fisheries: To replenish the waning number of sardines, the Philippines has enacted a plan to increase sardine numbers by spring 2024. This new law provides increased guidelines for sardine fishing to promote sustainability and growth.
- Ocean Breakthroughs launch: This UN Climate Change High-Level Champions and Ocean Conservancy supported initiative intends to tackle issues affecting marine conservation, shipping, coastal tourism, aquatic food, and ocean renewable energy. The purpose of the Ocean Breakthroughs is to accomplish wide-reaching, key sustainability goals in each area by 2030.
- Operation Siso success in Calabrian Waters: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and Italy's Guardia di Finanza joined forces to stop illegal longline fishing. They were able to successfully decrease illegal fishing by 70%. This was accomplished by patrolling and removing illegal fishing gear left unmarked.
What do all these exciting, new initiatives to support sustainable fishing have in common? They're the result of extensive campaigns and advocacy from ocean conservation organizations. Let’s keep swimming towards sustainable seas by supporting organizations like these fighting for our oceans.
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