While drift net fishing is often celebrated for its effectiveness in amassing considerable quantities of fish, it has also sparked controversy due to the potential harmful impacts on both the environment and non-target species. In this exploration, we aim to shed light on the multifaceted aspects of drift netters, focusing on their operational mechanisms, the dedicated individuals who make them run, and the legal framework that shapes their practices.
What is a Drift Netter?
At its core, a drift netter is a specialized fishing vessel that utilizes expansive, horizontal nets, referred to as drift nets, to capture a wide array of marine species.
Constructed typically from synthetic materials such as nylon or polyethylene, these drift nets are arranged in the water column, maintained in position by a systematically arranged series of buoys and weights.
Engineered to move with the currents, these nets often remain deployed for extended periods, sometimes throughout the night, passively capturing fish as they drift by.
Despite the environmental concerns, drift net fishing continues to be practiced in specific regions globally. Its allure primarily lies in its cost-effectiveness and efficiency—factors that enable the capture of substantial fish volumes within a limited timeframe. Consequently, it remains a favored method among a range of fishing fleets.
Addressing these environmental concerns is paramount, and numerous efforts are being undertaken in this direction. One notable initiative is by the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO). Their International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (IPOA-Capacity) is an ambitious project designed to foster sustainable fishing practices and enhance the management of fishing capacities. This comprehensive plan highlights the significance of sustainable fishing practices, including explicit guidelines on the use of various fishing gear types, such as drift nets.
What Laws Apply to Drift Netters?
Drift netters operate under a myriad of laws and regulations. These are established to moderate fishing efforts and curtail the potentially detrimental effects of drift net fishing on marine ecosystems.
At the International Front: The United Nations, acknowledging concerns of bycatch and overfishing, issued a moratorium on drift net fishing in international waters in 1992. As per this moratorium, drift nets extending beyond 2.5 kilometers in the open ocean are deemed prohibited.
National Laws: Various nations have enacted their own sets of regulations that apply to drift net fishing within their respective territorial waters. These laws may impose restrictions on aspects such as net length, fishing seasons, and specific species targeted.
Role of Regional Management Bodies: Across numerous regions globally, regional fishery management organizations hold substantial sway in managing and regulating drift netting activities. These bodies are tasked with setting catch quotas, implementing restrictions, and keeping a close eye on fish stocks.
Despite the existence of such laws and regulations, ensuring their enforcement presents a significant challenge, particularly in international waters. To monitor and control drift net fishing, several measures are deployed, including satellite tracking, onboard observers, and inspections of vessels both at sea and in port.
Navigating National and International Laws for Drift Netters
On a national scale, countries might enforce specific laws concerning the use of drift nets by fishing vessels operating within their territorial waters. These laws can dictate the types of gear permissible, the dimensions and quantity of nets that can be deployed, and the species that are eligible to be targeted.
Further, these laws might set quotas or caps on the volume of fish that can be harvested, in addition to mandating requirements for reporting and surveillance of fishing operations.
Globally, the United Nations’ Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) has introduced the International Plan of Action for the Management of Fishing Capacity (IPOA-Capacity). This plan is primarily focused on promoting sustainable fishing practices and curtailing overcapacity in the fishing industry. It encompasses guidelines for the usage of drift nets and other fishing gear, coupled with recommendations for effectively managing fishing fleets.
Beyond national and international laws, drift netters might also be governed by regional regulations. For instance, the European Union has enacted the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) to regulate the fishing activities of EU member states. The CFP incorporates provisions related to the use of drift nets, along with other matters like protection of endangered species and conservation of fish stocks.
Industry organizations too may have established their own set of conduct codes or standards that drift netters must adhere to. A case in point is the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES), which has formulated guidelines advocating the responsible use of drift nets. These guidelines endorse best practices to minimize the impact of drift nets on non-target species and the environment while ensuring the sustainability of fish stocks.
Nonetheless, even with these laws and regulations, drift net fishing continues to be a contentious practice, with ongoing debates seeking the best approach to balance sustainable fishing practices with the economic needs of fishing communities. Some stakeholders argue for stricter regulations to safeguard marine ecosystems and avert overfishing, while others express concern that such regulations could bring about adverse economic consequences for the fishing industry.
Drift Netter Environmental Considerations
Drift netters, or fishing vessels that utilize expansive, horizontal drift nets, are known for their capacity to catch a broad spectrum of marine species. However, this efficiency often comes at a steep environmental cost.
A critical environmental concern with drift net fishing is bycatch. The deployment of a drift net doesn’t discriminate between species—it ensnares the targeted fish, but may also inadvertently capture a wide array of other marine animals, such as dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and seabirds. This bycatch may become entangled, often leading to injury or death through drowning, which can significantly disrupt the health and equilibrium of marine ecosystems.
Moreover, drift netters can contribute to overfishing and the resultant depletion of fish populations. When an excessive number of individuals from a particular species are harvested, it can trigger a downturn in the population of that species, posing another threat to the health and balance of the ecosystem.
Yet another environmental consideration is the use of synthetic materials in drift nets. Over time, materials like nylon and polyethylene degrade and release microscopic particles into the water. Marine life may ingest these particles, which could potentially lead to harmful effects.
To mitigate these environmental issues, various strategies are being employed to decrease the adverse impacts of drift net fishing. One such strategy is to use more selective fishing gear like traps or longlines, which can help decrease bycatch and lessen the impact on non-target species.
Furthermore, numerous countries have introduced regulations to control the dimensions and quantity of drift nets, as well as specifying the species that can be targeted. This regulatory framework aims to ensure more sustainable and responsible fishing practices.
Wrapping Up: Drift Netters
Drift netters, fishing vessels deploying expansive, horizontal drift nets, are capable of catching an array of marine species.
Such vessels come in various sizes, and the crew composition can vary widely, encompassing the captain, multiple deckhands, engineers, fish processors, and even scientists or observers.
Despite the efficiency of drift net fishing in procuring large quantities of fish, it has sparked substantial controversy due to its potentially detrimental impacts on the environment and non-target species.
There are efforts in progress to diminish these impacts, involving the introduction of more selective fishing gear and legislation restricting the dimensions and quantity of drift nets.
However, drift net fishing remains a contentious issue. The ongoing discourse revolves around finding the optimal balance between sustainable fishing practices and the economic exigencies of fishing communities. The task of reconciling these interests presents a significant challenge, but it’s an essential endeavor in our collective pursuit of sustainability and responsible resource use.
