Longline fishing is a method of fishing where a baited line, which can be up to 100 kilometers long and contain thousands of hooks, is deployed into the ocean. It is a popular method because it allows for a large catch, but it has come under scrutiny in recent years due to its environmental impact. Many countries have banned or heavily regulated longline fishing to protect marine life, but?
The answer is not straightforward. Longline fishing is not completely banned worldwide, but its use is regulated in many countries. Some countries, such as Australia and New Zealand, have banned longline fishing within their territorial waters. Others, such as the United States, have regulations in place that limit the number of hooks per line and require fishermen to use circle hooks, which reduce the chance of bycatch.
The reason for the regulation of longline fishing is due to its impact on marine life, particularly on endangered species. The indiscriminate nature of longline fishing means that it can catch non-target species, such as turtles, sharks, and seabirds, which can lead to their injury or death. It is estimated that up to 4 million seabirds are killed each year by longline fishing.
Longline fishing also has a significant impact on the oceans’ ecosystems. The large number of hooks used can disturb the ocean floor and damage coral reefs, which are home to a wide variety of marine life.
While some countries have banned or heavily regulated longline fishing, it is still widely used in other parts of the world, including in Asia and the Pacific. The lack of uniform regulation means that some fishermen may engage in unsustainable practices, leading to the depletion of fish populations and damage to the oceans’ ecosystems.
While longline fishing is not completely banned worldwide, its use is regulated in many countries due to its impact on marine life and the environment. It is important for countries to implement sustainable fishing practices to protect the oceans and the species that depend on them.