Overfishing Our Mediterranean Coastal Waters

Oceans cover over 70% of our planet’s surface and support over 1 million different aquatic species. These species live in either one of two habitats– coastal or open ocean habitats.

Oceans cover over 70% of our planet’s surface and support over 1 million different aquatic species. These species live in either one of two habitats– coastal or open ocean habitats. While coastal habitats make up only 7% of the total ocean area, this is the habitat that supports most of those ocean species.  Ocean life, such as corals, kelp, mangroves, salt marshes, and seagrasses, are the eco-engineers of their habitats. They shape and reshape their ocean homes for other species to inhabit.  Coral Reefs Coral reefs are one of the most important ecosystems in the coastal ocean. Unfortunately, overfishing has depleted some critical species that maintain their habitats.  The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization has recently released a report naming the Mediterranean as the most overfished sea in the world. It is also the top tourist destination worldwide, causing human activity to increase.   Along with having the largest unsustainably harvested fish population, human activity makes its ecosystem one of the world’s most imperiled.  The Mediterranean has been overfished for the past fifty years or more. Part of what makes this issue so complex is that fishing is ingrained in Mediterranean culture. Many small fishermen depend on fish for their living. Fishing is a $4.6 billion industry that supports about 180,000 people’s livelihoods. Yet, about 75% of their fish stocks are being overfished. In the past fifty years, fish populations have fallen by more than a third.  Global fishing capacity and effort have more than doubled since 1950 in almost all regions. Illegal fishing and catching unwanted species–or bycatch– have also contributed to the overfishing dilemma.   Sharing the Waters The Mediterranean waters are shared among countries from several regions: nine North African countries, eleven European countries, and nine Middle Eastern countries.  Even though there are regulations for fishing this sea, EU countries, notably Italy, have the most fishing intensity over coralligenous beds, the most bottom fishing, and the most significant fishing mortality caused by EU fishing fleets.  20 to 30 million tropical fish from coastal coral reefs are taken each year for display in  personal aquariums. However, the capture methods are dangerous to the fish caught and the other species left behind in the coral reefs.  Fishermen often mix cyanide tablets with seawater in squirt bottles. They then spray the solution around the reef where the tropical fish often hide. The cyanide mixture stuns the fish and makes them easier to catch in nets.  Unfortunately, spraying the area can kill other species, including the coral, within seconds. Of the captured tropical fish, about 80% of them die within six weeks of being caught— usually in someone’s aquarium.  Bottom Bulldozers Bottom trawling is yet another danger to the Mediterranean waters. By using large, heavy nets to scrape the sea floor, these trawlers act like underwater bulldozers, destroying coral reefs and sponge grounds in their paths.  Bottom trawling is destructive and wasteful. Scientists estimate it generates about half of all discarded fish and marine life globally. Most of the bycatches are juveniles. They end up dying in nets, only to then get tossed overboard. Undersized hake and red mullet live and feed near the bottom and often account for  60%  of the trawler’s bycatch. These fish never get to mature and reproduce. Plastic Pollution Pollution and ever-warming waters have also put Mediterranean coastal waters in peril. One study found that the Mediterranean had the world's highest levels of plastic pollution– between 1,000 and 3,000 metric tons. Oceana scientists have found single-use plastic products at 1,000 meters — their underwater robot’s maximum depth– in one research expedition. The plastic is due to the heavy tourist footprint and dense coastal population. How Can We Help? Although it’s a complicated issue, there are several ways in which people can help save our coral reefs and other Mediterranean ecosystems.  Donate to organizations such as the WWF (World Wildlife Federation) to help them end illegal fishing and expand protected areas. Support sustainable fishing campaigns. Don’t buy tropical fish for personal or commercial aquariums.  Volunteer with agencies, like AIDA or Hubbs-Seaworld Research Institute, to help with direct mailings, special events, and other public relations functions hosted by the agencies. Keeping informed, eating sustainably caught seafood, volunteering, and making donations are all ways in which we can help our beautiful coastal water habitats.