THINK ACT

Predators are important for the health
of the marine ecosystem.
RUBRIK HIER
“Because 90% of large predatory fish have disappeared,
the number of organisms at the bottom of the food chain
increases faster and faster”
Enric Sala, biologist
prophecy that after the last whale and the last seal dies,
microbes will rule the oceans.
“Because 90% of large predatory fish have disappeared,
the number of organisms at the bottom of the food chain
increases faster and faster,” Sala says. “We’re changing from
a blue sea with predators into a sea of jellyfish and microbes.”
Sacanell agrees, “If the ecosystem is to remain healthy, there
must be predators.”
The Gavina bobs at anchor outside the protected section of
the Medas Islands, in the 2,000 acres where only boats from
L’Estartit are allowed to fish. Seagulls screech in a cloudless
sky, and the sea is quiet, almost motionless. Sacanell locks
the rudder.
The Gavina is ten meters long, with a tiny cabin, fenders
around its sides, and a deck covered in nets. Sacanell bought
it five years ago, along with a VW bus to take his catch to
market, at a total cost of EUR 18,000. His fellow fishermen
respect his practical outlook, and he wins the occasional small
victory in his battle for sustainable fishing.
In L’Estartit, he successfully fought for cuttlefish to be
caught in handmade baskets containing mastic branches.
However, he is worried about illegal harpoon fishing and big
fishing fleets. “It would help us if they were only allowed to
fish with dragnets below 200 meters.”
Microcredit can tip the balance
Modern surveillance technology is being put to good use in
the battle against dragnets and other destructive techniques,
which continue illegally in some areas. One of the objectives
of the Restoring Ocean Health information campaign is to
spotlight such abuses.
Meanwhile, YGL Jayne Plunkett is developing financing
models for the creation and operation of MPAs. “Our early
ideas include setting up a funding mechanism which could
cover the income of professional fishers during the time
they’re not fishing in the MPA. Eventually the area outside
of the MPA will produce more fish than ever before, and the
profits of this additional fishing will give a payback on the
50 THINK ACT SEPTEMBER 2011