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Driftnet ban not working: Greenpeace

Katharine HoureldAAP
The over-fishing of yellowfin tuna threatens food security and local economies, Greenpeace says.
Camera IconThe over-fishing of yellowfin tuna threatens food security and local economies, Greenpeace says. Credit: EPA

Greenpeace has uncovered widespread use of illegal driftnets in the northwest Indian Ocean, which it says are decimating marine life in what is one of the world's most ecologically vulnerable fishing grounds.

During two weeks at sea, the environmental organisation says it filmed seven ships within 50 square kilometres using driftnets to catch tuna.

It detected another eight vessels on radar using navigational patterns that also suggested use of nets.

"If yellowfin tuna continues to decrease at the current rate then food security in the region, as well as local economies, is going to take a huge hit," Greenpeace said.

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Nicknamed the 'walls of death' for the quantity of other sea life they catch in addition to the fish they are set for, the nets were banned by the United Nations 30 years ago.

"Because of the issues of bycatch we're concerned about all fish in the Indian Ocean," Greenpeace said.

"What's the point in a UN ban on driftnets when all the fishing vessels we saw are using driftnets?" Will McCallum, head of oceans for Greenpeace UK, told Reuters.

"There is little to no enforcement in international waters.

"We need a global ocean treaty ... to resolve this enormous governance gap."

Nations are due to meet in August for negotiations over such a pact, designed to set up safeguards for parts of the ocean similar to protected reserves established on land.

Last month, representatives of 30 nations met to discuss ways to save fast-depleting tuna stocks in the Indian Ocean. The meeting ended without any new agreement.

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