WWF and Sky Ocean Rescue’s latest report shows why cameras on fishing boats are essential to monitor and protect marine wildlife

Hundreds of thousands of endangered marine animals are dying unnecessarily every year as a result of being accidentally caught in fishing nets around the world, according to a new report by WWF and Sky Ocean Rescue.

The What’s in the Net [1] study documents that at least 720,000 seabirds, 300,000 cetaceans, 345,000 seals and sealions, and over 250,000 turtles die after being caught in fisheries around the world annually - alongside tens of millions of sharks. Many of these species are endangered or on the brink of extinction.

The report looks at how to address the serious issue of monitoring ‘bycatch’ - the unintentional capture of marine wildlife by commercial fisheries - and minimise the number of animal deaths. WWF and Sky Ocean Rescue are calling for the adoption of Remote Electronic Monitoring with cameras (REM) to improve monitoring of catches and accountability across fisheries.

WWF’s recent Living Planet Report 2020 showed that nature is in freefall with a 68% decline in species population sizes since 1970, and unsustainable fishing is impacting heavily on marine biodiversity. Fishing is the biggest threat to marine wildlife, due to the use of unselective fishing gear such as set nets (gillnets), purse seine, trawl nets, and longlines.

Conservation of our most vulnerable cetacean, shark and turtle populations is only possible if effective ways to prevent and reduce bycatch are developed. Currently, there is no accurate measurement of the true nature of the problem, as there is very little independent monitoring of most fishing activities at sea.

The use of REM (Cameras on Boats) has many benefits, including cost-effective data collection, which can help manage a fishery sustainably and increase compliance with legislation, which will improve consumer confidence in seafood caught in REM fisheries. REM is also a human welfare issue, helping to support human observers at sea by allowing them to operate more safely.

John Tanzer, Head of Oceans Practice, at WWF International said:

“Ocean recovery is vital to all life on our blue planet. Effective monitoring at sea is a key part of supporting this recovery and REM with cameras presents a cost-effective and low-risk solution to support the work of human observers, and significantly expand independent monitoring across fleets where there is no monitoring. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical importance of restoring healthy natural systems and building resilient supply chains, and we feel confident that REM with cameras can contribute to these efforts.”

Amanda Leathers, Marine Species Programme Manager, WWF-New Zealand said:

“WWF-New Zealand commends the New Zealand Government for its recent proposal to put cameras on 345 vessels by 2024, with the focus on the vessels that pose the highest risk to protected species. If enacted, this vast expansion of independent monitoring will reveal the true impact fisheries has on our wildlife. WWF looks forward to the data this will generate, which can enable better fisheries management, and help stop thousands of dolphins, seals, and seabirds from dying in our fisheries every year. It will also provide greater transparency for policymakers, scientists, and consumers.”

Fiona Ball, Group Director Bigger Picture, at Sky, said:

“Sky Ocean Rescue are pleased to have contributed to this report in our continued partnership with WWF to help protect our oceans and drive towards to a net zero future. Putting the ocean on the path to recovery simply cannot wait, because the health of our oceans is inextricably linked to climate change. Through reports and technology like this that we will enable marine wildlife to thrive and improve the health of our waters.”

WWF is urging governments to support the adoption of Remote Electronic Monitoring with cameras (REM) in order improve accountability across fisheries and for addressing the urgent problem of wildlife bycatch across our oceans.

NOTES TO EDITORS

ABOUT WWF
Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) is the world’s largest and most experienced independent conservation organisation. WWF-New Zealand is part of a global network of WWF offices in more than 100 countries. Our vision is to build a future where all people live, and thrive, in harmony with nature. Our mission is to actively restore and enhance Aotearoa’s natural world from sea to sky.

Since 1975, WWF-New Zealand has worked on the ground with local communities, and in partnership with government and industry, using the best possible science to advocate change and effective conservation policy. Our New Zealand’s programmes include research, advocacy, and partnerships aimed at protecting precious habitats and species, minimising harm from fishing and other activities, reducing impacts from climate change, supporting innovation, and conserving and protecting Aotearoa’s wildlife. Find us at wwf.org.nz

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