Fish Fences Across the Tropical Seas Having Large-Scale Devastating Effects

Typography

Huge fish fences which are commonly used in tropical seas are causing extensive social, ecological and economic damage and are threatening marine biodiversity and human livelihoods, according to a new study.

Huge fish fences which are commonly used in tropical seas are causing extensive social, ecological and economic damage and are threatening marine biodiversity and human livelihoods, according to a new study.

Fish fences are a common type of traditional fishing gear regularly constructed from mangrove poles and nets spanning hundreds of metres which are placed semi-permanently in shallow habitats.

Using ecological, social and remote sensing methods, the research team examined the landings from fish fences over a 15-year period and assessed the health of condition of local seagrass, mangroves and reef habitats.

Read more at Swansea University

Image: A large fish fence used in Indonesia. (Credit: Benjamin Jones/ Project Seagrass)