Seabass and common hake are in danger of becoming extinct in the Mediterranean because of overfishing and climate change, the UN has warned.
European seabass in the Mediterranean are in danger of going extinct.
By Louise Gray
19 April 2011
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature said 43 species of marine fish were in danger of dying out in the Mediterranean over the next 40 years.
Although the UK sources very little fish from the region, it is an important region for breeding species like seabass and hake that we fish from our own waters. Also British tourists have driven demand for dishes like seabass after seeing the fish on cooking programmes or promoted by celebrity chefs. The report, compiled for the United Nations, blamed overfishing, pollution, loss of habitat and global warming.
Bluefin tuna, that is eaten as a speciality in Japan, is also in danger. In total, 15 species were considered to be in the highest-risk category, critically endangered, 14 of which were sharks and rays including all three angel shark species found in the region. The rest were considered endangered or vulnerable to extinction.
The use of fishing gear like driftnets, that catch all the fish in the area, were blamed for killing off fish that are not being eaten, as well as sharks, rays, dolphins, whales, turtles and birds.
:: A separate report found fish are affected by toxic chemicals from cigarette butts.
The most toxic chemicals were from the butts, as well as the glues and salts found in papers, according to the report in a special supplement of Tobacco Control. Cigarette butts are the most common forms of litter in most parts of the UK and the toxic chemicals could harm species like minnow, roach and rud.
Source: Telegraph UK.
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