Bycatch: An enormous problem but with practical solutions
Fishermen based marine turtle bycatch reduction program
Find out about our exciting, collaborative work with fishers and partners to secure sustainable fisheries in Latin America and the Caribbean. Check out the website
I am working to stop bycatch so people can fish forever. And I’d like my children and grandchildren to be able to see leatherback turtles in the Gulf of California, like I have
Alejandro Rodriguez, WWF Mexico
Simple, proven methods already exist to reduce and even eliminate bycatch.
But while some responsible fisheries and individual fishers have begun to tackle the problem, bycatch is a huge conservation, economic and food security problem.Why? It’s complicated.
In essence, there is a deadly combination of a lack of awareness, action, inertia, or resources. These factors span the spectrum of those involved in fisheries, from small-scale artisanal fisheries to large international operations, from governments to fisheries management bodies, and from supermarkets to consumers.
WWF aims to significantly reduce bycatch by changing the way fish are caught. We are working with fishers; fisheries managers; governments; fish buyers, sellers, processors; and consumers to:
- Identify and implement more selective fishing gear
- Amplify the roll-out of best fishing practices by word-of-mouth among fisherfolk (or alike)
- Implement and enforce management zoning for fisheries
- Create, implement, and enforce better fisheries policies
- Implement observers on fishing vessels to monitor bycatch and learn where, how and why bycatch is occuring
- Inform and encourage fish buyers, processors, sellers, and consumers to purchase seafood from responsible fisheries.
