Marine Life & Conservation

Thoughts on Shark Tagging… by Jeff Goodman

Published

5 years ago

January 21, 2020

I recall from my first filming trip abroad over 45 years ago, people telling me that weather conditions were very unseasonal and how unusual it was that animal behaviour was becoming more uncharacteristic each season, as well as that species numbers were on the decline.

For the first few years of my travels I must confess not to taking much notice, but then as the years unfolded I began to realise this was a global trend that was not getting better.

Over the following years I met many scientists and biologists who were dedicated to their particular field of wildlife and environmental research but I was saddened to learn just how focussed they had to be on their own particular niche rather than having time to think of the bigger picture and the overall global problems and influences. This was because in order to secure future funding, they had to be able to produce a constant stream of worthwhile results. They had to justify their work and sadly there was no one I encountered who was responsible for coordinating all this individual information to try and assess global trends and issues.

Throughout my wildlife filming career I have seen copious quantities of information accumulated about individual species, all in order to better understand what is happening to our world by processing reams of carefully gathered data.

So what has this to do with shark tagging? Well, much of the research I have watched over the years has had to do with shark behaviour, feeding patterns, distribution, reproduction and, of course, mortality after being caught and released. The stress of fighting for life isn’t so prevalent with other species. A bird caught in a mist net or an elephant tranquilized, although distressing, doesn’t seem to compare with a long drawn out battle on the end of a fishing line, where the animal is fighting with all its strength and resolve until it has nothing more to give.

There is a plethora of opinion and data about shark mortality post catch and release which makes it difficult to discern reality from emotion.

Sharks have been pushed to the edge of extinction by over fishing, both commercial and sport.

In recent years, biologists have come to discover that catch and release is harmful to sharks. They have documented cases where sharks will swim away and die within a matter of minutes after fishermen release them. The life-and-death struggle to survive a battle with an angler far too often turns out lethal for the shark.

Sharks are crucial for the health of the ocean. As an apex predator, their continuing eradication threatens the health of the entire marine ecosystem. Although the figures may be small compared with long lining and other commercial fisheries, they are still significant. See www.leisurepro.com/blog/ocean-news/catch-release-harmful-sharks/

This post release mortality does vary between shark species with some being more resilient than others. Having been underwater, filming sharks on the hook fighting with every last ounce of their strength, I am personally amazed how any survive at all, especially when after this epic struggle they are hauled up onto a boat deck to have their photo taken.

I used to fish myself and seafood was always a good part of my diet, but as the years passed I began to witness stress and the frantic fight for life played out at the end of a fishing line. It is well accepted now that fish do feel pain. See www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/fish-feel-pain-180967764/. It is simply that we cannot hear any screams that make us impervious to their plight. See www.goodreads.com/book/show/7266864-do-fish-feel-pain

I have recently been passed a link to a Shark fishing competition to be held locally in Cornwall with the emphasis on tag and release. It led to me writing this article. Have we not gathered enough data now to be able to say ‘yes’, these animals are at the very edge of extiction and should be fully protected from all manner of sport and commercial fishery? Shall we continue to catalogue and study our wildlife right up to the point of its disappearance when we can say without any contradiction that our science knows exactly why this has happened.

I often stand on the cliff tops and look out at an empty ocean where only forty or so years ago I saw life in abundance. My children and grandchildren of course have no idea what I am talking about…

Marine Life & Conservation

Paul Watson Released as Denmark Blocks Japan’s Extradition Bid

Published

18 hours ago

December 17, 2024

Team Scubaverse

Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.

The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.

Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.

In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.

Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.

Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.

The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.

Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.

Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.

Marine Life & Conservation

12 Days of Zero-Waste Fish-mas

Published

2 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Team Scubaverse

This holiday period, the Marine Conservation Society, the UK’s leading ocean membership charity, invites you to make some simple changes to eating fish this Christmas to help our seas.

Dr Kenneth Bodles, Head of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the Marine Conservation Society, said, “During the festive season, our consumption increases, but so does waste. Sustainability isn’t just about where food comes from – it’s also about how you use it. By reducing waste and making the most out of your seafood, you’re not only taking steps to be more ocean-friendly, but can also help to cut costs during what is often one of the most expensive times of the year”.

The Marine Conservation Society has compiled twelve tips on how to consume seafood sustainably with zero-waste this Christmas:

Buy whole fish instead of fillets

Instead of fillets, consider buying whole fish such as salmon, hake, or lemon sole. By adopting a “nose to tail” approach with cooking, whole-baked fish not only feeds a crowd, but also helps to minimise waste and maximise sustainability by using up every part of the animal, including bones, skin, and fat.

Make fish stock

Leftover fish bones or shells can be put to good use by boiling them to make a nourishing fish stock or bisque. This can be frozen and preserved for later use and makes for a flavourful base in a soup.

Make your own fish pâté

Avoid waste by turning leftover fish, such as smoked mackerel or salmon, into a delicious pâté by blending with cream cheese and lemon. Perfect when paired with crackers.

The sustainability of salmon and mackerel varies depending on where and how it is caught or farmed. For more information on green-rated options, check the charity’s Good Fish Guide.

Buy frozen

By purchasing seafood that is frozen or vacuum-packed, this helps to reduce waste by extending the shelf life of your food.

Fish pie

If you’re wondering what to do with leftover cooked fish, why not opt for a classic fish pie with mashed potatoes, leeks, and a cheesy sauce? A sure crowd pleaser on Boxing Day.

Use the head

Don’t forget the fish head! The meat is incredibly tender and flavourful. The charity recommends a cod’s head curry or recreating Fallow’s renowned cod’s head in siracha butter.

By stretching your ingredients further, not only is this a more sustainable way to enjoy seafood, but also cost-effective by repurposing leftovers and cooking creatively.

Boxing Day brunch

Mix leftover kippers or smoked salmon with scrambled eggs for a tasty, zero-waste, Boxing Day brunch.

For best choice, make sure you buy kippers, or herring, from the North Sea and the North Irish Sea.

Zero-waste storage

A top tip from the Marine Conservation Society to avoid waste is freezing fish offcuts to save for future use.

Crisp up the skin

Even leftover fish skin can be turned into a quick savoury snack by crisping it up in an air fryer with a little olive oil and salt.

Anchovies two ways

Leftover anchovies can either be blended with butter to make a delicious anchovy butter or tossed into pasta for a hit of umami flavour.

The charity recommends opting for anchovies caught in the Bay of Biscay for best choice.

Fishcakes

For an easy, zero-waste meal, leftover seafood trimmings can be mixed with mash and fried in breadcrumbs to make fishcakes.

Pickled mussels

Try pickling mussels in 1:1 vinegar and water, with a dash of sugar for a sustainable, zero-waste snack that can be enjoyed well beyond the festive season.

Mussels farmed in the UK are a seafood superhero. Grown using low-impact methods and harvested by hand, they get all the food they need from the sea around them. This makes them one of the most sustainable, ocean-friendly, and cost-effective seafood options.

Players of People’s Postcode Lottery have raised £6.6M towards the Marine Conservation Society’s vital work in making seafood more sustainable.

Laura Chow, Head of Charities at People’s Postcode Lottery, said: “Fish is a festive favourite for many, but making sustainable choices when it comes to how we buy and eat seafood makes all the difference for our ocean. Support from players of People’s Postcode Lottery has helped the Marine Conservation Society further its sustainable seafood work, so that we can all enjoy healthier, better protected seas.”

The Marine Conservation Society encourages you to make sustainable seafood choices a year-round habit, not just for Christmas. To check how sustainable the seafood on your plate is, you can visit the charity’s Good Fish Guide. The Guide helps consumers and businesses identify the most sustainable seafood using a simple traffic light system, based on where and how species are caught or farmed. Green is the best choice, amber means improvements are needed, and red indicates fish to avoid buying.

Zero-waste gift idea

Why not embrace a zero-waste Christmas by gifting a membership to support marine conservation? It’s a meaningful, low-waste gift that helps protect our ocean for generations to come. Memberships start from as little as £5 a month – the price of a sandwich and drink from your local coffee shop.

Find the latest sustainable seafood advice for wild-caught and farmed seafood on the Good Fish Guide, downloadable to your phone from www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide.