IGFA efforts and influences paying off

IGFA efforts and influences paying off

IGFA has long been a support pillar for environmental initiatives and this stance is effectively paying off. Trinidad and Tobago have moved to stop trawling their local waters. Senator Devant Maharaj was instrumental in putting a stop to this destructive fishing method.

“In a positive step towards aiding struggling fisheries, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago last week joined Australia, Brazil, Canada, and similarly conservation-minded countries in banning bottom trawling in their waters. Trawling – the practice of dragging large nets to dredge the water and sea bed, resulting in very high levels of unwanted bycatch and habitat destruction – has long been identified as one of the most harmful industrial fishing practices…

… “We have been working in the United States to help transition to more sustainable commercial fishing gear such as greenstick and buoy gear, and recent socioeconomic reports are showing that recreational fisheries are contributing millions of dollars to the GDP of countries like Australia, Costa Rica, and Mexico thanks to recreational anglers. It just makes good environmental and economic sense to manage these resources well.”

Now that the country has made a progressive first step, IGFA Representatives David Wong and Gerard “Frothy” de Silva, both of Trinidad and Tobago, plan to continue working with the IGFA to bring similar measures to local longlining practices.”

Click the link below for the full story…

http://www.igfa.org/Conserve/Trinidad-and-Tobago-Ends-Local-Trawling.aspx