News
Fishing frenzy in MPAs
Greenpeace: government plans to manage fishing in Marine Protected Areas is ‘unambitious’ in the face of industrial fishing frenzy in UK waters.
17 January 2023
Fish Free February, founded by marine biologist and underwater photographer Simon Hilbourne, is now preparing for its sixth annual campaign.
This year, the campaign is joined by 71blue, an ocean impact accelerator empowering people and communities worldwide to take action for the ocean.
Both organisations are committed to real-world impact and want to encourage individuals to cut seafood from their diet for one month, this February, and replace it with plant-based options.
We are experiencing a biodiversity crisis, with recent estimates showing that species extinctions are currently 10 to 100 times higher than the natural baseline.
Overfishing and destructive fishing methods are the greatest immediate threat to ocean biodiversity.
At the same time, the global demand for seafood is rapidly accelerating and, according to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), ‘aquatic animal production is expected to increase by 10% by 2032 to reach 205 million tonnes’.
The message is clear: those of us with the choice need to consume less seafood and eat more sustainably.
‘Humans are taking far too many fish and other marine species from the sea. We simply must reduce the number of fish being caught. The best way to do that is to stop or greatly reduce eating seafood.’
SIMON HILBOURNE
Founder of Fish Free February
Estimates show that over a third of global marine fish populations are currently overfished; this pressure causes population declines in targeted and bycatch species, throwing the food chain off-balance and endangering entire ecosystems.
‘Partnering with Fish Free February is an opportunity to inspire action for our oceans. Wherever you are in the world, small everyday choices can create real impact. Even when the challenges seem enormous, hope grows when we act together.’
Mirta LORENZINI
Director at 71Blue
By supporting Fish Free February, you can contribute to healing our planet and the ocean with one simple action: exploring delicious plant-based recipes for a month. Click here for more.
Greenpeace: government plans to manage fishing in Marine Protected Areas is ‘unambitious’ in the face of industrial fishing frenzy in UK waters.
Can using biodegradable fishing gear help reduce the cost of ghost fishing?
Greenpeace demands greater ocean protection after nearly 2,000km of fishing line was dragged through Sargasso Sea last year.
92% of the UK’s Marine Protected Areas do not have full protection from destructive fishing.
