Standard Page - 11 May, 2011
Fundamental changes need to be made in the way our oceans are managed. We must shift from destructive to sustainable fisheries.
A sustainable fishery is one that doesn’t reduce fish stocks or impact marine biodiversity. Examples of sustainable fishing techniques include pole and line fishing, drop lines and troll lines.
We also need to provide a safe haven for marine life and close some areas of ocean to all human activity. Greenpeace is campaigning for a global network of marine reserves that cover 40% of our oceans. Marine reserves are essential to restoring and preserving the health of our oceans.
Exposing destruction
We take to the high seas to defend the oceans from unsustainable and pirate fishing. We track and expose destructive fishing practices that kill tonnes of marine life. Greenpeace's ships are used at the forefront of our oceans campaign, bearing witness, documenting and taking action against illegal and destructive fishing. The Esperanza, returned in 2011 to defend Pacific livelihoods and safeguard its precious marine resources. Read more about the tour.
Success
Evidence we collected in 2009 while documenting illegal fishing activity in the Pacific, was used to fine 2 unlicensed Japanese vessels NZ$1million.
Pressuring decision makers
We participate in key regional and international forums where the fate of the world's oceans is on the table. We work to ensure leaders ban destructive, illegal and unsustainable fishing practices. And we lobby for a global network of marine reserves to be established.
Success
In January 2011, 8 Pacific Island nations closed a whopping 4.5 million km2 of Pacific Ocean to destructive purse seine fishing. This followed years of Greenpeace campaigning in the region.
Empowering consumers
We expose the retailers and brands that sell unsustainable or illegal products, and work with them to acquire better policies. Greenpeace empowers consumers to make informed, ethical and sustainable choices when buying seafood.
Success
After releasing our first Canned Tuna Guide in March 2010, tuna brands were forced to examine their role in the overfishing crisis, with some making significant improvements. We now have our first sustainable canned tuna brand, Fish4Ever, in Australia.