Protecting the Deep Sea - The Pew Charitable Trusts

Key Atlantic Fisheries Body Extends Deep-Sea Shark Protections

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:30:00 GMT

Deep-sea sharks in a huge swath of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans won extended protections Nov. 16 when the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) extended a ban on targeted fishing of 17 shark species.

Deep-Sea Fisheries and Vulnerable Ecosystems in the Northeast Atlantic

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 20:20:00 GMT

A new European Commission proposal to overhaul the regulation of deep-sea fisheries in the northeast Atlantic Ocean is a promising step toward transforming the area into a sustainable fishery.

NAFO: Much Talk Yields Little Action

Fri, 21 Sep 2012 19:30:00 GMT

A frustrating week at a key fisheries management meeting in St. Petersburg, Russia, leaves the rich biodiversity of the deep sea still wanting for protection.

COFI 30 Builds on Rio+20 Momentum

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 17:50:00 GMT

Participants in the 30th session of the Committee on Fisheries (COFI 30) of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, which took place one month after the U.N. Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20), noted that Rio’s momentum could be used to address pressing ocean issues such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, management of shark fisheries, and sustainability of small-scale fisheries.

EU Commission Makes History with Proposal to Phase Out Bottom Trawling for Deep-Sea Species

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:15:00 GMT

In a move that will help protect one of the most biodiverse areas on Earth, the European Commission today proposed phasing out destructive bottom trawling and bottom gillnetting among deep sea fishing fleets in the Northeast Atlantic. The Pew Environment Group praised EC Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Maria Damanaki, for the bold proposal to finally put an end to these unsustainable and destructive deep-sea fishing methods.

At Last, a Ray of Hope Reaches the Deep Sea

Thu, 19 Jul 2012 13:15:00 GMT

The future may finally be brighter for the countless animals living in the depths of the sea. In a long-awaited move, the European Commission today proposed a phase-out of the destructive practice of deep-sea bottom trawling in the northeast Atlantic Ocean.

Some Progress at Rio, But No Time to Waste

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 18:35:00 GMT

Today, Susan Lieberman, director of International Policy for the Pew Environment Group, released the following statement at the close of the Rio Earth Summit (Rio + 20).

Pew Reacts to Rio+20 Document

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:35:00 GMT

Negotiators meeting in Rio, Brazil at the Earth Summit known as Rio+20 have finalized a 49-page document which will now go to Heads of State.

Deep Ocean Mysteries and Wonders

Mon, 12 Mar 2012 17:45:00 GMT

(TED Talks) In the deepest, darkest parts of the oceans are ecosystems with more diversity than a tropical rainforest. Taking us on a voyage into the ocean -- from the deepest trenches to the remains of Titanic -- marine biologist David Gallo explores the wonder and beauty of marine life.

Guide to Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RMFOs)

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:55:00 GMT

Regional fisheries management organizations (RFMOs) are international bodies made up of countries that share a practical and/or financial interest in managing and conserving fish stocks in a particular region.

FAQ: What is a Regional Fishery Management Organization?

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 20:25:00 GMT

An RFMO—short for regional fisheries management organization—is an international body made up of countries that share a practical and/or financial interest in managing and conserving fish stocks in a particular region.

Fishing's Global Footprint

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 22:15:00 GMT

(BBC) I'm not sure whether logically you can have such a thing as a footprint in water... but if you can, then the footprints of human fishermen now cover much more of the world's oceans than half a century ago.

Reforming EU Deep-Sea Fisheries Management

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:05:00 GMT

The future of vulnerable deep-sea habitats remains at stake as the European Commission prepares to release a proposal on deep-sea fishing regulations at the end of this month. The current practice has serious and widespread environmental consequences for countries fishing on the high-seas, the international community, and ocean ecosystems. And time in running out.

Pew Urges Reforms to EU Deep-Sea Fishing Regulations

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:05:00 GMT

In a new policy analysis, “Out of the Abyss: Transforming EU Rules to Protect the Deep Sea,” which summarizes current problems in the oversight and control of EU deep-sea fisheries in the northeast Atlantic, Pew offers viable solutions to ensure the sustainability and protection of threatened deep-sea biodiversity.

Out of the Abyss: Transforming EU Rules to Protect the Deep Sea

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:05:00 GMT

Leading scientific authorities have concluded that the EU’s fisheries for deep-sea species in the northeast Atlantic are ‘outside safe biological limits’ and that deep-sea fishing should be significantly reduced or ended entirely.

NEAFC Falls Short on Deep-Sea Protections

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 16:20:00 GMT

The 30th annual meeting of the North East Atlantic Fisheries Commission (NEAFC) ended today, with countries agreeing to prohibit fishing for deep-sea sharks but failing to agree on significant, additional measures to safeguard vulnerable deep-sea species and ecosystems. While NEAFC has made considerable progress since 2006 in closing areas on the high seas south of Iceland to bottom fishing, it is has yet to establish effective regulations to ensure sustainable deep-sea fisheries.

Turning the Tide on Deep Sea Destruction

Tue, 27 Sep 2011 16:50:00 GMT

The deep sea is an extreme and unforgiving environment, so it may be surprising to learn that it is home to an estimated 10 million distinct species, rivaling the biodiversity of some of the world’s richest tropical rainforests.

Put the Brakes on Deep-Sea Fishing

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 01:25:00 GMT

(Washington Post) The world’s deep-sea catch is steadily declining, and the high vulnerability of these fish populations and diverse marine ecosystems is well documented. Last year, officials from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea declared that in the Northeast Atlantic, 100 percent of all targeted deep-sea species have been fished “outside safe biological limits.” Yet the fishing continues, via trawlers dragging enormous weighted nets that, in a single pass, scrape clean the ocean floor.

Take Action to Protect the Deep Sea

Fri, 09 Sep 2011 13:10:00 GMT

This month, the U.N. General Assembly, for the first time, will conduct an open review of regional and national actions to protect deep-sea species and ecosystems on the high seas from the harmful impacts of bottom fishing. Send a message to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon asking him to ensure that all nations fish responsibly to protect unique deep-sea ecosystems.

Deep Sea Under Threat

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:30:00 GMT

Far below the surface of our oceans lie entire mountain ranges covered with ancient corals and unusual creatures. Though we once thought the deep sea to be barren, scientists and the fishing industry now understand that the deep sea is teeming with life, including many species that are found nowhere else.

Deep Trouble for the Deep Sea

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:30:00 GMT

The deep sea, home to some of the world’s most unusual creatures, is teeming with biological diversity, most of which has yet to be scientifically-documented. But in spite of the wonders that exist far below the surface, the deep sea is being destroyed.

Scientists Call for End to Deep-Sea Fishing

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:00:00 GMT

(Washington Post) Industrial fishing in the deep sea should be banned because it has depleted fish stocks that take longer to recover than other species, according to a paper to be released this week by an international team of marine scientists.

The Deep Sea is 'Worth Saving'

Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:30:00 GMT

The Pew Environment Group is supporting the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition’s new “Worth Saving Campaign”.

Splash Mob at the Smithsonian's Ocean Hall

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:45:00 GMT

On June 7, several hundred visitors at the Smithsonian’s Ocean Hall took time out to boogie down in a ‘Splash Mob’ to celebrate World Oceans’ Day.

Preliminary Findings: High Seas Fishing Nations Fail Important UN Commitments

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:50:00 GMT

On June 2, the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition (DSCC) presented preliminary findings of a comprehensive review of how countries have implemented the UN General Assembly resolutions on deep-sea bottom fishing at a meeting at United Nations headquarters in New York.

Protecting the Deep Sea: Pew Fights Destructive Fishing Practices

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 13:00:00 GMT

More may be known about the farthest reaches of outer space than the deepest parts of the oceans. Pew works to protect these unknown worlds before it is too late.

Joint-NGO Follow-up Letter to the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

Mon, 07 Mar 2011 20:25:00 GMT

A joint-NGO letter to Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, that follows up on a February 1, 2011 meeting with the Commissioner. In the letter, Pew and other NGOs reiterate our concerns and provide additional information and ideas for improvement of European deep-sea fisheries.

Joint-NGO Letter to the European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 20:15:00 GMT

A joint-NGO letter to Maria Damanaki, European Commissioner for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, outlining our serious concerns about European deep-sea fisheries and requesting a meeting for further discussion.

Pew Critical of EU Council Decision on Deep-Sea Quotas

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:55:00 GMT

Uta Bellion, director of the Pew Environment Group’s European Marine Programme, issued the following statement in response to today’s decision by the EU Fisheries Council on deep-sea fishing quotas for 2011 and 2012.

Joint-NGO Recommendations to Fisheries Ministers

Tue, 09 Nov 2010 21:05:00 GMT

A joint-NGO position paper urging European Fisheries Ministers to set Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for deep sea species in the Northeast Atlantic at sustainable levels.

The Pew Environment Group's recommendations to European Commission on Deep-Sea TACs

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:50:00 GMT

A Pew policy paper containing a detailed analysis of the scientific information available on the current status of deep-sea fish stocks in the Northeast Atlantic and recommendations to the European Commission as to why its proposal for setting Total Allowable Catches (TACs) for deep-sea species should reflect the scientific advice: that any fishing on these stocks is unsustainable.

Joint-NGO Response to European Commission Consultation Document on Deep-Sea Fisheries

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 20:15:00 GMT

Key non-government organizations in Europe joined together to urge the European Commission to base their decisions on science and sustainability when deciding on TACs and quotas for deep-sea species that are consistent with commitments made by the EU at the United Nations.

Joint-NGO Policy Brief to the European Commission on Deep-Sea TACs and Quotas

Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:55:00 GMT

U.S. Seeks High-Seas Ban on Bottom Trawling

Wed, 04 Oct 2006 18:40:00 GMT

President Bush called for a halt to destructive fishing on the high seas Tuesday and said the United States will work to eliminate or better regulate practices such as bottom trawling that devastate fish populations and the ocean floor.

Hopes Brighten for Curb on Damaging Ocean Fishing

Fri, 25 Aug 2006 18:50:00 GMT

Less than 1 percent of the world's commercial fish catch comes from trawling the ocean floor of the high seas.

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