Latest news with #sustainableFishing
The Guardian
20-06-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Tackle industrial fishing, but local inshore fleets deserve support
According to George Monbiot, fishing is 'the most destructive of all private industries' (Attenborough's Ocean is the film I've been waiting my whole career for – now the world must act on its message, 13 June). Have fossil fuel lobbyists finally got to him? Monbiot is right to highlight our complacency with overfishing, but in our attempts to tackle industrial fishing's worst abuses, especially unchecked bottom trawling, we should not demonise small‑scale fishers – our ocean's most powerful custodians. Across the globe, small‑scale fishers using low‑impact gear in coastal waters are on the frontlines against industrial overfishing. They're the first to feel the impacts of ocean decline and the best-placed to propose solutions. Is it true that 'the fishing industry trashes everything'? No. Some gears, like bottom trawls, are indeed destructive and should be restricted. But small-scale fisheries using low-impact gears are the opposite. They use environmentally friendly methods to provide healthy, low-carbon food to coastal communities. Is fishing really 'the most destructive of all private industries'? No. Fossil fuel, mining and chemical lobbyists will be smiling as readers direct their ire towards the local inshore fishing fleet. Should the UK government redirect funding away from fishing and let the industry fade? No. Current subsidies unfairly favour industrial vessels with outsized impacts. Redistributing funds and rapidly scaling investment in small‑scale fisheries would deliver dividends through resilient food systems, enhanced food security, sustainable livelihoods and greater climate resilience, alongside healthier ecosystems. Should the oceans be closed to fishing, bar a few gazetted areas? No. Coastal waters should be fully co‑managed with small-scale fishers to ensure they are stewarded for future generations. The world is awakening to the impacts of bottom trawling. Now it must wake up to the vital importance of small‑scale fisheries – and CollinsonAdvocacy manager, Blue Ventures I read George Monbiot's article with interest. I am one of the producers of Rupert Murray's 2009 film The End of the Line, which was about marine destruction, was funded in part by Channel 4, and broadcast by it. This film did not 'carefully avoid' blaming the fishing industry, and an independent study showed that it had an impact on public attitudes, corporate behaviour and political policy. That film drew heavily on the previous work of Charles Clover, who appeared in the film and whose 2004 book of the same title was a milestone in the campaign to save the world's oceans. It is not just a question of making good and powerful programmes. Today, those have to have a celebrity at the front of them, and a lasting impact is achieved by a sustained and continuous campaign from civil society groups and journalism – in George's words 'those whose job it is to inform us'. My concern is that after Ocean, the BBC will think 'job done' and everyone else in the media will agree. Christopher HirdDartmouth Films Many of us echo George Monbiot's 'At last!' in response to David Attenborough's film. But I was disappointed that the names of the trawlers plundering the oceans were blurred. It is about time the international companies plundering our oceans' ecosystems were publicly shamed. Environmental NGOs, especially local ones using citizen scientists to gather data in their own time and often unpaid, have amassed millions of pieces of relevant data, especially from inshore waters. Yet we still have long 'consultations' on marine protected areas, usually resulting in nothing changing. I have completed four in recent years about Scottish inshore waters. There is collusion between UK governments and their national scientific and nature conservation organisations in this, and environmental NGOs, in fear of losing finance, grants etc stay silent. The government has procrastinated in ratifying the 2023 UN high seas treaty agreeing to put 30% of these waters into marine protected areas. Ecosystems are the lifeblood of our oceans and ultimately us. Overfishing, short-term greed and financial returns are the name of this game. Stop the politics of delay – do it now!Dr Sally CampbellLamlash, Isle of Arran Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Malay Mail
16-06-2025
- Business
- Malay Mail
DPM Zahid: Fisheries sector nets RM300m in 13MP funding for upgrades, aquaculture, and training
PUTRAJAYA, June 16 — The government will allocate RM300 million under the 13th Malaysia Plan (13MP) to implement two key fisheries schemes aimed at safeguarding marine resources and improving fishermen's welfare, Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said. He said the two schemes are the Fisheries Catch Sector Financing Scheme and the Matching Grant Scheme for the Replacement of Trawl Nets and Boats. 'Each scheme is allocated RM150 million. The Fisheries Catch Sector Financing Scheme will focus on upgrading fishing vessels and automating the fishing industry. 'The Matching Grant Scheme for the Replacement of Trawl Nets and Boats aims to encourage more sustainable and environmentally friendly fishing methods,' he said in a statement after chairing the High-Level Committee Meeting on Fishermen Development and Empowerment (JPT-PPN) today. Ahmad Zahid, who also chairs the committee, said the meeting also agreed to implement the Fishermen Economic Transformation Through Aquaculture Project (TEMAN-AKUA): Aquaculture for B40 Fishermen, targeting unlicensed fishermen in Melaka, Negeri Sembilan and Perlis to transition into aquaculture. The project will be implemented in four phases involving cockle and mussel farming, with a potential return of RM50 million annually. 'The total cost of RM5 million for the 2025-2029 period will be supported through the Aquaculture Delivery and Support Services System Programme (SPeKS),' he added. Ahmad Zahid also said the Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah Fisheries College in Lumut, Perak, will train local boat skippers and fishermen under the Local Fishermen Training and Entrepreneurship Grant Programme to reduce reliance on foreign crews. The programme includes Malaysian Skills Certificate (SKM) courses, short-term training and entrepreneurship grants of up to RM200,000. A 2025 pilot project will involve 50 participants. The meeting also reviewed the success of Ops Tiris 1.0 to 3.0 in tackling diesel subsidy misappropriation, involving 1,600 arrests and seizures amounting to over RM400 million. Ahmad Zahid said the targeted fuel subsidy mechanism introduced on June 10, 2024 in Peninsular Malaysia ensures that fishermen continue to receive subsidies at RM1.65 per litre through the Subsidised Diesel Control System (SKDS), with enforcement intensified in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan. 'The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security remains committed to introducing new initiatives to combat diesel leakage among fishermen. 'As such, I stress that the government will not compromise on leakages and misappropriation. Instead, we will strengthen targeted policies, build fishermen's capacity, and ensure the sustainability of the fisheries industry as a pillar of national food security,' he said. Ahmad Zahid added that the meeting also tabled the outcomes of the Fishing Community Engagement Sessions (SLU) held since November 2024, which identified 37 key issues. He said 46 per cent of those issues have been resolved through inter-ministerial efforts, reflecting the effectiveness of the government's inclusive and responsive approach to addressing the concerns of the fishing community. — Bernama
Times of Oman
08-06-2025
- General
- Times of Oman
Oman marks World Oceans Day, renews pledge to protect marine environment
Muscat - On the occasion of World Oceans Day (which falls on 8 June every year), the Sultanate of Oman highlights efforts on protecting the marine environment and promoting ecological sustainability. Oman is considered a leading country in this field. Oman boasts a long coastline of approximately 3,165 kilometres that makes the country home to a rich biodiversity of coral reefs, seabirds, fish and rare and endangered species like sea turtles. Oman is actively seeking to preserve its marine environment through a set of elaborate initiatives and policies. The Environment Authority was established to act as the body responsible for developing environmental strategies, notably in the field of protecting oceans and coasts. The Environment Authority conducts studies and research aimed at understanding common environmental challenges posed by the marine environment like pollution, overfishing and climate change. As part of its efforts to promote marine sustainability, Oman keeps implementing a variety of projects, including the "Artificial Coral Reefs" project, which aims to rehabilitate damaged coral reefs, enhance biodiversity, support sustainable fishing and protect coastal areas. Oman has also established a number of marine reserves like Ras Al Jinz Marine Reserve, the Daymaniyat Islands Marine Reserve, and Al Khor Marine Reserve, which all provide safe sanctuary for endangered marine species. Oman's efforts also include awareness campaigns and workshops aimed at raising and developing the knowledge of citizens and residents about the importance of preserving marine life. In particular, such initiatives target younger generations, encouraging them to actively contribute to environment conservation efforts. Oman also accords attention to international cooperation in the field of marine environment protection. This attention takes shape in Oman's regular participation in relavamt global programmes and agreements, including the Convention on Biological Diversity. Through this comprehensive approach,—which combines effective policies, innovative projects and community engagement—the Sultanate of Oman sets an exemplary model for marine environment protection.
Daily Mail
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
White Lotus star Theo James joins forces with Stephen Fry for grotesque new film
Theo James and Stephen Fry have teamed up for a grotesque new film that's worlds away from their respective work. TV hunk Theo, 40, has swapped his roles in the The White Lotus and The Gentleman as he portrays an unassuming diner at a smart restaurant. As the film opens, he orders a seemingly sustainable fish course, with Stephen Fry playing a head waiter who delivers his dish. Theo then probes: 'The menu says the fish was caught sustainably, is that correct?' Jeopardy! host Stephen, 67, replies: 'Oh, absolutely, of course,' before following up: 'Presumably sir would like the extras... From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. TV hunk Theo, 40, has swapped his roles in the The White Lotus and The Gentleman as he portrays an unassuming diner at a smart restaurant as Stephen, 67, plays a waiter 'Bottom trawling sir, you know, not what I spent sometime in the eighties doing, I'm talking about how fish is caught in most British marine reserves. 'The fish is caught with an enormous about of bycatch, up to 80% of what is caught is discarded or destroyed but surely sir was aware of that?' In grotesque scenes, the catch then crashes down on top of Theo and the table, covering him in the remains. 'It's in my mouth', he screams, before pleading: 'Stop, please!' The attention-grabbing film, called The Bottom Line, was made by Blue Marine Foundation, a charity aimed at restoring the ocean and tackling overfishing. Speaking about taking part in the campaign, Stephen said: 'This shockingly destructive practice continues even in the UK's protected areas. 'I witnessed the waste firsthand and was absolutely appalled. It is morally corrupt to allow what should be thriving ecological wildernesses to be reduced to shells of destruction. 'Bottom trawling in marine protected areas must be banned now.' Theo added: 'As a keen diver I've long been captivated by the ocean and been horrified by the impact humans are having on it. 'Having had a load of bycatch dumped on me, it really drove home just how grotesque and devastating the practice of bottom trawling is. 'It was deeply unsettling but I was glad to do it if it helps drive real change.' The 90-second clip was directed by twice-BAFTA nominated director Ben Mallaby, who is known for his work on Borderlands and Island Queen.
Arab News
08-06-2025
- General
- Arab News
Pakistan Navy urges ‘result-oriented' collective actions as world marks Oceans Day
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Navy on Sunday urged 'result-oriented' collective actions to safeguard oceans against pollution, over-fishing and climate change, its Directorate General Public Relations (DGPR) said, on the occasion of the World Oceans Day. World Oceans Day is observed on June 8 each year and this year's theme is 'Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,' which resonates with the oceans' vital role in underpinning all life on earth. Covering over 70 percent of Earth, oceans are a key source of oxygen, a regulator of climate and immeasurably support biodiversity, all of which are essential to global livelihoods. As the principal custodian of Pakistan's maritime domain, the navy said, it is undertaking substantive initiatives like implementing remedial measures for preventing oil spills at sea, enforcing pollution control measures and banning destructive fishing nets to encourage healthy practices and sustainable use of ocean resources. 'World Oceans Day calls upon us to move beyond the reflexive acknowledgment and take result-oriented collective actions,' the navy quoted its Public Relations director-general as saying. 'To this end, I call upon all the stakeholders to join hands with Pakistan Navy and adopt safe and sustainable practices to secure our oceans' vitality. Collectively, we can avail this immense endowment in the shape of our rich oceans, preserve their enduring majesty and secure the lifeblood they provide, for our future generations.' The statement came ahead of a United Nations (UN) Ocean Conference in Nice, France on June 9-13, which will not only focus on accelerating actions for conservation and sustainable use of oceans but also identify ways to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources by building partnerships. 'For Pakistan, our long coastline and rich marine resources constitute a national trust. This vital treasure trove of biodiversity is facing rapid deterioration and demands immediate and robust intervention by all stakeholders,' the navy said. 'Recognizing our obligation to the environment, Pakistan Navy is also instilling ecological ethos through awareness drives and crucial partnerships. To mark the occasion, National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA) has organized one day international seminar to create awareness about the issue and highlight ways and means to protect our oceans.'
