The Squeed Fish: A Threat to the World's Oceans

In a remote corner of the world, where the ocean's depths meet the surface, lies a floating slaughterhouse. It's not an exaggeration to call it that – the noise of mechanical jiggers pulling in catch after catch is deafening. As you approach the site, you can't help but wonder how responsible these fishermen will be with their new catch.

China has a notorious reputation for its overfishing practices. According to Hammarstedt, who organized Operation Distant Water, Chinese vessels have ravaged poor fishing villages in West Africa and are largely responsible for the plunder of shark and tuna in Asia. The scale of their operations is staggering – officially capped at 3,000 vessels, the fleet may actually consist of thousands more.

Keeping such a large flotilla at sea for extended periods requires significant state subsidies and technological feats. It's a source of national pride for China, akin to America's space program which was a symbol of achievement for generations of Americans.

The Chinese distant water fishing fleet has been operating in the high seas off South America for years, pushed by decades of overfishing to venture ever farther from home. Their presence in these waters is not accidental – they're attracted to areas rich in marine life, such as the Galapagos Islands, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to some of the world's most endangered species.

Last summer, an international outcry erupted when hundreds of Chinese vessels were discovered fishing for squid near the Galapagos Islands. The Associated Press and Spanish-language broadcaster Univision accompanied the Ocean Warrior on an 18-day voyage this summer to observe the fleet up close. It was a sobering experience that highlighted the need for greater regulation and responsibility in the world's oceans.

The question is, will China take steps to manage its new fishery responsibly? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain – the squeed fish are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the threats facing our oceans. It's up to us to ensure that we prioritize their protection and sustainability for generations to come.

Squeed fish