Latest news with #OceanConference
Scotsman
3 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
How fish farming is devastating marine life with a single salmon consuming up to 350 wild fish
Consumers should buy wild fish from sustainable stocks and, if buying farmed fish, ensure that it's organic, if they want to help save our seas from an environmental catastrophe Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Early summer on Scotland's most northerly island of Unst, Shetland. Gannets, fulmars and puffins patrol the cliffs, their calls echoing over slopes dotted with sea pinks. But beneath this vibrant scene lies a troubling truth: seabird breeding failures that have coincided with the presence of industrial fishing trawlers offshore. It was 30 years ago when I first discovered that the phrase 'there's plenty more fish in the sea' couldn't be trusted. Those fish in the sea are finite. And if we carry on as we are, seabirds won't be the only ones facing trouble. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There has been welcome progress since then, not least the Scottish Government's recent ban on sandeel fishing in all Scottish waters, including those in the North Sea. The decision was made to protect marine biodiversity and align with national and international commitments to environmental protection. Salmon, known as the 'King of Fish', are natural wanderers who should not be forced to swim in circles like caged tigers endlessly pacing around their enclosure (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell) | Getty Images Third of all sharks face extinction However, the backdrop is that human activity continues to steadily drain the life out of the ocean. We are plundering the seas faster than the fish can replicate. At the recent United Nations' Ocean Conference in Nice, a statistical 'catch of the day' was showcased: that more than a third of the world's fish are harvested unsustainably. Pushed beyond their biological limits. More than a third of all sharks and rays are now at risk of extinction because of overfishing. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In 1883, scientist Thomas Huxley notoriously declared that 'all the great sea fisheries are inexhaustible' and that 'nothing we do seriously affects the numbers of fish'. More than a century on and it has become abundantly clear he was wrong. The damage done by overfishing goes beyond the marine environment. Billions rely on fish for protein, and fishing provides livelihoods for millions of people around the world. As wild fish stocks dwindle, fish farming is often touted as the solution. But far from easing the burden on our oceans, it may be compounding the crisis. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Farming of carnivorous fish species like the salmon farming found along the west coast, the Highlands, and Northern Isles, is wrongly seen as a solution to declining wild fish populations. That's because vast quantities of fish are being caught from the wild simply to feed farmed fish in what is a wasteful process – a single farmed salmon can take about 350 wild fish to produce. By continuing to feed wild-caught fish to farmed fish, we are taking away an essential layer in the food chain, thereby undermining the future for the oceans. Eroding marine ecosystem's foundations Today, about a fifth of the world's fish catch is used as animal feed, being fed to farmed chickens, pigs, and fish. Anchovies, sardines, and herring are the main species targeted by the industry, with supplies often sourced from as far off as South America and Africa. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These wild fish tend to be the foundation of the marine ecosystem, providing food for puffins and other seabirds, as well as feeding the bigger fish that we like to put on our plate. In total, they would be enough to provide a billion more people with a dietary supply of fish, while leaving them in the ocean would take huge pressure off hard-pressed fish stocks. In Scotland, fish farming has grown from just a couple of sites about 50 years ago to more than 200 today. It now feeds as much wild-caught fish to its salmon as is eaten by the entire UK population. The industry has been described as Scotland's 'new oil', but like petrochemicals in the context of climate change, it's seriously in need of an urgent rethink. Intensively farming what are essentially wild fish species like salmon also raises serious animal welfare concerns. Salmon are farmed in large sea cages anchored along the coast, with each fish having the equivalent of a single bathtub of water. Swimming in circles Yet, these are natural ocean wanderers. Which is why huge shoals of farmed salmon swim in incessant circles, showing behaviour reminiscent of caged tigers pacing their enclosures out of frustration. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Like the environmental impact, welfare conditions for farmed fish are often out of sight, out of mind. Hidden below the depths. However, from time to time, investigations bring home what life can really be like for the incarcerated 'king of fish'. One such example in recent years was by a diver who took to the icy waters off the west coast of Scotland, Skye and Shetland to uncover salmon farming's hidden side. Farmed salmon were found with diseased and swollen gills. One swam in a bit of a daze, with eyes missing and sockets red raw. Some had chunks out of their bodies and gaping wounds, while others had seaweed growing from their injuries, as if they were rotting alive. Industrial fish farming often causes serious concern for animal welfare and is central to a ravenous fishmeal industry. The true impact on iconic wildlife and the ecosystem we all depend upon is only just coming to light. Some companies involved are starting to make changes, but much more needs to be done. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Consumers can help by buying wild fish from sustainable stocks, preferably line caught. If buying farmed fish, then ensure that it comes from a certified organic supplier. There remains a chance to take action – but only just. As oceanographer Sylvia Earle warns, 'there is still time, but not a lot'. The choices we make now will determine whether future generations inherit thriving seas – or empty ones.
See - Sada Elbalad
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- See - Sada Elbalad
2025 La Grüne Fête de la Musique Brings Colors of Blue to Green Discussions in Cairo
Rana Atef A pivotal environmental panel held at the French Institute in Cairo, and the Goethe-Institute in Cairo combined forces to introduce the 2025 Green Music Festival. Concepts of sustainability, climate, eco-development, and green economy, in addition to music, are always the major concepts of the festival. But, this year witnessed the addition of another color which is blue. It is based on engaging people, especially youth, in more climate-based and music activities. The date of the festival mirrors the world celebration of the first summer day. The heat, the green scenery, the company, and the climate talk shaped the day. The event came in the wake of the recent international Ocean Conference, which emphasized the need to accelerate action against marine pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate-induced oceanic threats. Alexandra Lamotte, Sustainable Development Advisor at the French Embassy: 'Let's build an ocean community.' In her opening remarks, Alexandra, Environmental Advisor at the French Embassy, expressed satisfaction with the growing interest in oceanic issues. She reflected on the progress made at the latest Ocean Conference and the record number of attendees. 'It's important that we share the lessons of this conference and recognize the ocean as central to our planet's health,' she said, stressing the urgency of addressing ice melt, plastic waste, and deep-sea pollution. Powerful Reflections from Regional Environmental Voices Activist Ahmed Yassin opened the discussion by noting that this was the third Ocean Conference—but perhaps the first to truly centre marine life as a global climate priority. He emphasised that topics like marine waste, blue economy opportunities, and the need for international ocean governance had finally reached serious global attention. He flagged the upcoming PPNJ as a major milestone in progress, highlighting the lack of regulation in large parts of the world's oceans. The environmental advocate warned against the misconception that marine waste is just floating plastic. 'Much of it relates to unsustainable fishing gear, abandoned nets, and chemical runoff. These aren't just environmental issues—they're human responsibility issues,' he stated. He pointed to the struggles of many countries, including the US, in coordinating with civil society over these matters. 'Blue routes must be plastic-free routes,' he insisted. Farah Kamel, another climate activist, described her general impression of the Ocean Conference as 'eye-opening,' stating that oceanic challenges have long been sidelined in the climate conversation. 'You simply cannot separate the ocean from the climate problem. Oceans literally cool the planet.' She noted that many discussions were focused on economic models for ocean benefit, and while Egypt has taken steps, its official position on plastic-related treaties remains unclear ahead of key August talks. Financing Green Solutions: From Policy to Implementation In the following panel, the panel then turned to climate financing mechanisms, with Mohamed Moatamed, Assistant to the Minister of Environment, explaining Egypt's National Climate Change Strategy, which was developed in coordination with multiple sectors to set tangible adaptation and mitigation targets. However, he emphasized that most of these goals are conditional on the availability of international funding. He outlined the state's efforts to improve green financing, pointing to the Central Bank of Egypt's new financing tools, growing involvement from the banking sector, and the launch of green bonds. One of the boldest initiatives mentioned was Egypt's plan to establish a voluntary carbon market, aimed at integrating both public and private sectors into climate mitigation. Andero Hanna from the French Development Agency (AFD Egypt) described their dual approach to funding climate projects: reducing emissions and enabling sustainable infrastructure such as metro systems. 'We provide grants, loans, and technical support. But it's also about building capacity for long-term investment,' he added. Local Innovation: From Upcycled Fashion to Circular Economies Bahga El Barbary, founder of Up-fuse, shared the story of her brand's journey. "Back in 2013, it was difficult to convince anyone to buy something recycled. But today, our products are international," she said. The company, which started in low-income areas like Manshiyat Nasser, empowers women through sustainable fashion and waste repurposing. Mostafa Ashraf from GIZ highlighted their work on integrating circular economy principles with local initiatives, especially in underserved governorates like Qena, Asyut, and Luxor. GIZ is currently partnering with Egypt's Ministry of Environment to promote green entrepreneurship, focusing on waste, textiles, and clean production. Research and Application: Bridging Innovation and Practice Dr. Bahi Bakir, a researcher and sustainability expert, explained that many eco-startups begin with pilot phases before scaling. 'The biggest barrier isn't the idea—it's overcoming each implementation hurdle. That's where state support must come in.' He also pointed to the untapped potential of agricultural waste, saying that several startups are already working to collect and convert it into viable raw material. A Call for Shared Responsibility and Urgent Action The panel offered a strong, unified message: oceans are no longer an afterthought—they are at the heart of the climate crisis and its solutions. Whether through policy reform, economic innovation, civil action, or local enterprise, every stakeholder has a role to play. As Ahmed Yassin concluded: 'Most people don't understand how they impact the ocean—but everyone does. The future depends on making that connection visible and actionable.' Green Music for a Blue Planet Following the panel discussions, the Green Music Fest lit up the Greek Campus with powerful performances that merged artistic expression with environmental advocacy. The crowd, largely composed of engaged young people, had earlier participated in workshops like Letters to the Nile and the Eco-Bazaar. As the sun set, music took center stage. The night featured an eclectic lineup: Stranded Horse brought an elegant blend of French acoustic songwriting and West African kora rhythms, performing tracks from their discography. TooFuse electrified the stage with their experimental fusion of electronic and world music. Lella Fadda, the Egyptian-Italian rapper, delivered raw lyricism with industrial hip-hop flair. Jamila & The Other Heroes, a Berlin-based band led by Palestinian-German singer Jamila Al-Yousef, closed the night with a fusion of psychedelic rock, funk, and Middle Eastern folk, sending out a message of unity and justice. read more 2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive Videos & Features WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya Videos & Features GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair Videos & Features 3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times Videos & Features Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean News 3 Killed in Shooting Attack in Thailand
Scoop
18-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Nauru Says Deep Sea Mining And Ocean Conservation Can Coexist
Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific Journalist Ocean conservation and deep sea mining are not in conflict, Nauru's climate change minister has told leaders at the United Nations Ocean Conference. Asterio Appi said Nauru sees the extraction of metals from deep sea nodules as essential for the increased production of electricity as the world moves away from fossil fuels. "Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development," Appi said. Deep sea mining involves extracting potato size rocks called nodules - which are packed full of valuable metals - from the seafloor many kilometres deep. Earlier this month, Nauru updated its commercial agreement with Canadian mining group The Metals Company for deep sea mining in international waters. It comes at a time of increasing uncertainty in the deep sea mining industry with both the United States and International Seabed Authority (ISA) stating each offers a licencing pathway to mine the seabed in international waters. According to the UN's Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, Nauru is the fifth most vulnerable nation in the world. Appi said Nauru had financial needs to address issues related to climate change and economic instability. "Nauru considers that the sustainable use of our oceans must include the responsible recovery and extraction of these critical energy transition metals to ensure supply chain security," he said. Also read: The five-day Ocean Conference in Nice - co-hosted by France and Costa Rica - concluded on on Friday. One of the key aims was to get the High Seas Treaty ratified by 60 countries to bring it into force. Fifty countries had ratified it by Friday, with a dozen more promising to do so by the end of the year. Vanuatu's Climate Change Adaptation Minister Ralph Regenvanu told journalists that fossil fuel reduction did not feature enough at the conference. "It's the single greatest cause of the damage to the oceans that we're seeing now and we're not talking about it enough." He said the Pacific is living through a climate emergency every day. "You're recovering, you're coming to the next one, you're facing another one. You're preparing for something, for example a lot of people living on the cost can no longer access fresh water like they used to, so just basic things being affected. "Those of us who are the most climate vulnerable now are simply living the future that we're all going to get one day." Tuvalu's Prime Minister Feleti Teo said he was an "optimist by nature" and believed the conference had contributed to the climate change conversation. However, Teo said he wanted to see more action from the big emitters. "As a small island developing country, we don't have that influence to pressure them to change their policies, but we need to sustain the pressure and meeting of this sort give us that opportunity to continue to tell that story." He said the ocean means everything to the people of Tuvalu. New Zealand committed NZ$52 million dollars to strengthen ocean governance in the Pacific. But the country's environment and climate change ministry chief executive said Australia and New Zealand's fossil fuel expansion raises questions about their respect, or lack of it towards the ocean. "If Australia and New Zealand are going to expand oil and gas that sends a very strong signal that the agreements or decisions that they have made internationally are not upheld," Sivendra Michael said. "So who do we hold to account? Are there any government mechanisms that we can legislatively or through the judicial system, take them to court?" Michael said legislation is also needed to hold countries to account for trans-boundary waste, like if the Great Pacific Garbage Patch enters into a countries exclusive economic zone.
Daily Maverick
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Maverick
Through Attenborough's optimism about the ocean we may be lulled by an undercurrent of complacency
In his latest – and likely last – documentary, the renowned biologist and natural historian leaves a message of hope – but will the world listen? The recently released feature-length documentary Ocean with David Attenborough is a visual marvel that makes a compelling case for preserving the health of the ocean. It opens with the argument that what lies under the surface of the ocean has, until now, remained a complete mystery to humankind. It is only with the technological advances of the 20th and 21st centuries that we have been able to see what dwells beneath the waves, but only now have we begun to turn our attention away from the enchanting magic of the ocean towards the beasts senselessly destroying it. The documentary features devastatingly detailed and unforgiving footage of bottom trawling, a fishing technique that involves dragging large nets across the sea floor, capturing and destroying all in its path. So massive are the scars left behind that they are visible from space, Attenborough says. Released in the lead-up to the UN's Ocean Conference, which began on 9 June, Ocean with David Attenborough is a clear call to action. It aims to galvanise global support for banning bottom trawling and expanding marine protected areas. There is also growing pressure on nations to ratify the High Seas Treaty, a crucial agreement that will only come into force once 60 countries have ratified it. As of 9 June, just 32 had done so. In the UN's hands The scenes of the barren graveyard left behind by trawlers are quickly banished by Attenborough's declaration of hope. Marine life has a remarkable ability to recover – if only left alone, he says. Within just a few years life can bounce back. No matter how overfished and exploited the ocean is, if an area is protected for long enough, life stubbornly returns. In addition, healing is not limited to protected areas – life leaks out, carried by the currents. Only 3% of the world's oceans are fully protected from exploitation. Attenborough hints at the solution: protecting at least 30%. But, delivered as his 'greatest message of hope', the film risks lulling audiences into inaction. In a time of unprecedented urgency, could hope inadvertently breed complacency? The UK recently announced it would extend bans on bottom trawling from 18,000km² to 30,000km² of its offshore areas, affecting 41 of its 128 marine protected areas. France, co-host of the Ocean Conference with Costa Rica, boasts that it has surpassed the 30% protection target set for 2030. But environmental groups warn of a troubling discrepancy between promises and practice. In reality, despite the claims, only about 3% of French waters are protected from destructive activities. According to the advocacy group Oceana, more than 100 bottom-trawling vessels operated for more than 17,000 hours in 2024 in France's six marine nature parks in European waters. Attenborough also draws attention to a more insidious problem: enforcement. In international waters, where no single nation has jurisdiction, ensuring compliance is exceedingly difficult. Marine protection, he suggests, has often amounted to little more than optics. Out of sight, out of mind Ocean conservationist Luke McMillan said in a LinkedIn post: 'Perhaps [the documentary's] gentleness will be its strength. If not, then I fear we're lost. If Sir David can't move the needle, what hope is left for the rest of us trying to?' Renee Bonorchis, founder of The Ocean Advocate, points out that Attenborough focuses on bottom trawling, but the ocean faces far more adversity than this issue. One example is the acidification of water caused by increased carbon dioxide in the air, which causes the calcium carbonate that makes up sea creatures' shells to 'melt'. The documentary may cause some consternation for a few days, but once that feeling fades amid the bustle of daily life, will the state of the ocean once again be a case of out of sight, out of mind? Attenborough has declared this documentary to be his last as he approaches his centenary. But, having left the fate of the ocean in the hands of the UN, the documentary dangles the tempting comfort of complacency. If it's all up to them, what can we do anyway? The Ocean Conference has the mandate to formalise an ocean agreement. 'If these agreements are reached and stuck to, it will make a difference, but we've seen so many global agreements and treaties and very few of them are fully committed to by the member states, which is why it comes down to us, as individuals,' Bonorchis says. 'If you want to see the change, be the change.' Practical steps to make a difference in South Africa Download the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (Sassi) mobile app: Get readily available information about sustainable seafood on your phone by downloading this useful app from Google Play or the App Store. Avoid single-use plastics: Use canvas bags for shopping and support stores that use sustainable, biodegradable packaging. Get actionable insights into adapting your context for sustainability: Download the Sustainable Seas Trust's Plastic-Free Seas: An Action-Focused Guide for Plastic Management in Africa to learn how the Global South can become the world's leader in sustainable waste management. Marine-friendly sunscreen: Many sunscreens contain harmful chemicals that damage coral reefs and other marine life. Ensure your sunscreen is marine friendly. Reduce your carbon footprint: Increased carbon in the air increases the acidity of the water, severely affecting marine life. Reduce your carbon footprint by working at home when you can, reducing international travel and using less electricity. Join protests: Show the powers that be that you care by joining protests. Extinction Rebellion, GreenPeace and Green Connection are some examples of active groups championing climate rights. Reduce your meat consumption: Consuming meat contributes significantly to the release of greenhouse gases. Changing to a majority vegetarian or vegan diet is a simple way to make a big impact. Vote for the climate: Keep the climate in mind when you are voting for political leaders. So far, none of the major political parties in South Africa has led with a climate agenda in its campaigning. DM This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.
RTÉ News
14-06-2025
- Politics
- RTÉ News
What was the result of the UN Oceans Conference?
The third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) drew to a close Nice yesterday following five days of high-level meetings between governments, experts, climate campaigners and community representatives. More than 15,000 delegates took part in the week-long summit, including more than 60 heads of state and government. By the end of the summit, more than 170 countries adopted a political declaration entitled 'Our ocean, our future: united for urgent action' (also known as the 'Nice Ocean Action Plan'), committing to urgent action on conserving and sustainably using the world's ocean. The main goals of the declaration include expanding marine protection areas, limiting marine pollution and increasing financial aid for coastal and island nations. Speaking to reporters at yesterday's closing press conference, Li Junhua, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs and UNOC3 Secretary-General, said the pledges made at Nice "must be rigorously implemented, tracked, and scaled". More than 800 new voluntary commitments were made by countries in the lead up to, and during, the summit, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica. Highlights included the European Union's new Ocean Pact - a €1bn commitment from the European Commission to protect marine life and strengthening the blue economy - and French Polynesia's commitment to create the world's largest marine protected area, encompassing about five million The 'High Ambition Coalition for a Quiet Ocean', a club of 37 countries, co-led by Canada and Panama and which includes Ireland, was also launched at UNOC3 to campaign for a reduction in underwater noise pollution. Germany launched a €100m action plan to clear World War II-era munitions in the Baltic Sea and North Sea, while, Indonesia and the World Bank launched a 'Coral Bond', a new financial instrument to raise private capital to conserve coral reef ecosystems in Indonesia's marine protected zones. A key objective of UNOC3 was to get more countries to sign and ratify the so-called High Seas Treaty, shorthand for the not-so-easily-named United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction. The treaty aims to create marine protection zones in international waters, to curb overfishing and safeguard marine ecosystems. Nineteen countries ratified the treaty during UNOC3, bringing the total number of ratifications to 50. Sixty ratification are required in order for the treaty to come into force at UN level. Taoiseach Micheál Martin told RTÉ News at UNOC3 last Monday that Ireland would ratify the treaty. Olivier Poivre D'Arvor, French special envoy at UNOC3, said, "what was decided in Nice cannot be undone. No illegal path is acceptable". Nine-five countries also supported a French initiative at the summit to limit plastic production and consumption, ahead of the next round of talks in Geneva in August to iron out the terms of a global plastics treaty. According to the UN, up to 12 million metric tonnes of plastic ends enters the oceans and seas each year. That is the equivalent of a bin truck every minute. However, it was not all plain sailing in Nice. The United States did not send a high-ranking delegation to the summit. Such a move was hardly surprising given US President Donald Trump's recent executive order to fast-track the permit process for deep sea mining licences in US and international waters, a relatively new technique that involves dredging the seafloor with a pump to extract metals and minerals. In contrast, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, when referring to deep sea mining during his speech to UNOC3 delegates on Monday, said "the deep sea cannot become the Wild West". French President Emmanuel Macron had also called for a moratorium on deep sea mining during his opening speech at the summit. This week has shown that the current US administration is at odds with most of the world's governments when it comes to protecting the world's oceans.
