Ocean, Outrage, and the Bottom Trawling Impact You Need to See

Responsible fishers respect size limits, practice ethical catch-and-release, and often work with marine scientists.

More and more, ethical anglers are:

• Choosing self-caught, traceable seafood

• Following WWF SASSI seafood sustainability guidelines

• Taking part in conservation programs like ORI’s tagging project

We’re not the problem. But we can pressure governments and industries toward change.

The anger sparked by Ocean is valid. Bottom trawling is horrifying, and the footage makes it hard to stay neutral. But giving up fishing entirely isn’t the answer.

We’ve asnwer some questions you may have to help you fish better with purpose, knowledge, and care for the ocean we love. 

✅ How Can I Better Understand the Real Impact of Bottom Trawling?

Before we can advocate for better practices, we need to understand what’s at stake. Bottom trawling:

• Scrapes and destroys the ocean floor

• Kills non-target species like sharks, rays, and juvenile fish

• Releases carbon stored in seabed sediment, contributing to climate change

Tip: Stay informed by reading resources from Blue Marine Foundation and Oceana.

✅ How Can I Educate Others & Share the Knowledge?

Many people simply don’t know how their seafood choices impact the planet. You can be a powerful voice in your community:

• Share content from trusted marine conservation accounts

• Bring up ethical angling at your next fishing trip or club meeting

• Talk to your local fishmonger or restaurant about their sourcing

Tip: Use your own stories. People connect more deeply when they hear personal experiences from fellow ocean lovers.

✅ How Do I Practice Selective, Sustainable Fishing?

Not all fishing is harmful, but some methods are better than others.

To fish better:

• Follow catch size and bag limits set by your local authority

• Avoid overfished or red-listed species (Check the WWF SASSI list)

• Use non-stainless steel hooks that degrade if lost at sea

• Practice ethical catch and release with proper handling to reduce mortality

Tip: Keep a fish ID card onboard — know what you’re catching, and what’s best to return.

✅ How Do I Choose Traceable, Local Seafood?

Whether you fish or buy, know your source. Choose:

• Fish caught by local, small-scale fishers

• Traceable seafood with certifications like MSC or SASSI Green-list

• Species that are fast-growing and abundant, like mackerel or sardines

✅ How Can I Leave the Ocean Cleaner Than I Found It?

Ethical anglers are also ocean stewards. That means:

• Picking up marine debris while boating or fishing

• Reporting ghost nets or wildlife entanglements

• Supporting beach cleanups and citizen science efforts

Tip: Turn your fishing trip into a mini conservation mission… challenge your group to collect trash along the way.

✅ How Do I Support the Voices That Protect the Ocean?

From marine scientists to coastal communities, plenty of people are working to protect our oceans, often with little funding or support.

• Donate to or partner with local conservation NGOs

• Join citizen science projects (e.g., tagging, fish counts, sightings)

• Vote for policies and leaders that protect marine biodiversity

Tip: Even sharing posts or giving a shoutout to a small conservation initiative can amplify their voice.