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Fishing
Make a difference
The crisis in the world's oceans is staggering -- it is estimated that 70 percent of the most valuable marine fisheries are either over-fished or fished to the limit. This exploitation is fueled by more than $10 billion annually in government subsidies that keep worldwide fishing capacity at more than twice the level that is biologically sustainable.
Marine ecosystems are under further stress from destructive practices, such as cyanide and dynamite-fishing, and from bycatch of non-target species that claims as much as 29 million tons of fish, seabirds, turtles and marine mammals every year.
Here are four steps you can take to reduce the impact on marine ecosystems and species:
- Environmentalists everywhere can submit creative solutions to reduce bycatch. The winning Smart Gear designer receives a $30,000 grand prize. Protect marine wildlife, join our Smart Gear competition.
- Be an informed consumer of fish and other seafood. Ask where the fish comes from and the status of the fishery.
- Learn about WWF and the Marine Stewardship Council.
- Avoid purchasing over-exploited stocks such as Atlantic swordfish, wild-caught Atlantic salmon, and sharks. Check out WWF's "Fish Yes List."







