Somewhat disturbing news of a Chinese fishing fleet currently of more than 200 ships (including refrigeration and supply vessels) operating just outside the waters of the Galapagos islands (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/06/chinese-fleet-fishing-galapagos-islands-environment). The Galapagos (Darwin's old stomping ground) includes a marine reserve but it is claimed that the fleet is totally indiscriminate, dragging up every organism they some into contact with. Catches are presumably transferred to refrigerated boats, which is against the rules. It is even said that the fleet illuminates the sea surface at night to attract squid from the depths. We really do need to consider ways of persuading people world-wide to act to preserve the health of our seas. This is especially true of areas like the Galapagos, which are in a remote location of the Pacific. The waters are only protected by vessels from the Ecuador navy and they can only act if vessels are caught fishing in territorial waters.
This blog may help people explore some of the 'hidden' issues involved in certain media treatments of environmental and scientific issues. Using personal digital images, it's also intended to emphasise seasonal (and other) changes in natural history of the Swansea (South Wales) area. The material should help participants in field-based modules and people generally interested in the natural world. The views are wholly those of the author.
Thursday, 6 August 2020
Galloping Galapagos
Somewhat disturbing news of a Chinese fishing fleet currently of more than 200 ships (including refrigeration and supply vessels) operating just outside the waters of the Galapagos islands (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/aug/06/chinese-fleet-fishing-galapagos-islands-environment). The Galapagos (Darwin's old stomping ground) includes a marine reserve but it is claimed that the fleet is totally indiscriminate, dragging up every organism they some into contact with. Catches are presumably transferred to refrigerated boats, which is against the rules. It is even said that the fleet illuminates the sea surface at night to attract squid from the depths. We really do need to consider ways of persuading people world-wide to act to preserve the health of our seas. This is especially true of areas like the Galapagos, which are in a remote location of the Pacific. The waters are only protected by vessels from the Ecuador navy and they can only act if vessels are caught fishing in territorial waters.
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