Greenpeace volunteers
An investigation by Greenpeace for some time now has revealed that the West African local fishing industries are under threat, due to European fishing trawlers fishing in West African waters. Under the theme 'Empty nets, Empty future,' Greenpeace calls for a halt.
The report focuses on how millions of West Africans depend on the fishing industry, but now under threat due to European trawlers that are increasingly overfishing. The activity is gradually taking its toll on the local fishing industry and is also threatening the extinction of many unique species.
The West African Coasts have now become a destination of choice for European and Asian fleets. Since their fishing territory has become overfished by 88% of the commercially used fish stocks in EU waters.
They have nowhere to go but to head to Africa, where they fail to put any protective measures in place for the diminishing fishing stocks.
The effect of climate change on oceans is another important issue for Greenpeace.' Increased water temperatures and changing weather patterns are among other factors affecting the ocean to sustain life.
'Empty net, Empty future,' highlights climate change that could spell the end of the export fisheries industry in West Africa. The report says this would destroy local economies, jobs, and food availability.
In order to maintain a free, non-hostile environment and good economies for the local fishing industries, Greenpeace is demanding fewer foreign trawlers and factory ships at sea, sustainable fishing practices, and the establishment of a network of marine reserves to let fish stocks recover and protect the ecosystem.
They call for the current fisheries agreements to be scrapped and replaced with sustainable ones that would benefit West Africa.