A Dutch-owned fishing vessel (said to be the world’s second-biggest trawler) allegedly deposited an estimated 10,000 dead blue whiting off the French coast.
The Pelagic Freezer-trawler Association (FPA) said in response that it was the result of an accidental rupture in the netting. ‘Such an accident is a rare occurrence and in this case, was caused by the unexpectedly large size of the fish caught,’ the statement read.
‘Blue whiting is a target species which is of great value to our members. Moreover, it is a quota species and as such the lost fish will be deducted from the vessel’s quota,’ it added.
Environmentalist group Sea Sheperd in France however posted pictures on Twitter and alleges the incident was an intentional discarding of unwanted fish. ‘In these images taken a few hours ago, more than 100,000 untargeted dead hake were thrown overboard by just one of these vessels. Until when are we going to authorize this looting as a rule?’
The European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius said authorities are looking into the matter. ‘We are launching an inquiry to national authorities of the fishing area and presumed flag state of the vessel, to get exhaustive information & evidence about the case.’
Picture: Sea Sheperd
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