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Icicles on the seafloor: Why is this phenomenon a hot spot for polar exploration?
Bottom trawling is a marine fishing technique often referred to as "trawling", which captures fish from the seabed by dragging a fishing net. This fishing method can be divided into two main types: benthic trawling and near-bottom trawling. Benthic trawls drag directly on the seafloor, while near-bottom trawls sit above the benthic zone. Bottom trawls target bottom-dwelling fish such as cod and other semi-benthic species such as squid and shrimp. It is estimated that the annual global production of bottom trawling exceeds 30 million tons, far exceeding that of other fishing methods. However, the environmental impact of this technology has raised widespread concerns.
The damage caused by bottom trawling to seabed ecosystems has triggered extensive discussions and research in the scientific community, with its long-term impact on marine biodiversity and ecological balance being the most eye-catching.
The historical background of bottom trawling
The history of bottom trawling can be traced back to the 14th century, when British fishermen discussed the destructive nature of the fishing method. In 1376, the British Parliament received a petition calling for a ban on a fishing tool called the "wondyrchoum", which could catch large numbers of small fish and caused serious damage to local fisheries.
With the development of large-scale fishing technology at the end of the 18th century, bottom trawl fisheries emerged rapidly, and many countries began to use this fishing method extensively. Although it was not possible to effectively control the catch at the time, fishermen believed that this method could increase production and continued fishing, which eventually led to the depletion of fish resources.
Environmental impact
The direct consequences of bottom trawling include severe damage to marine ecosystems. The heavy equipment of bottom trawls destroys seafloor habitats and biodiversity, putting many species at risk of extinction.
One study points out that the impact of bottom trawls on seafloor communities depends on the equipment used, with hydraulic trawls having the greatest ecological impact.
Impact on climate
Bottom trawls also contribute to global climate change by stirring up seafloor sediments. Bottom trawling is estimated to release more than 370 million tons of carbon dioxide each year, posing another challenge to global climate change. These sediments often contain toxic pollutants, and the action of bottom trawling allows these pollutants to re-enter the water body, thereby affecting the marine food chain.
Current limitations and future prospects
In the face of the environmental challenges posed by bottom trawling, some countries have begun to implement fishing restrictions. For example, the United States and the European Union have imposed restrictions on bottom trawling in specific areas to protect affected species. However, for the vast majority of international waters, bottom trawling remains very loosely regulated.
As attention to the dangers of bottom trawling increases, future conservation measures and international cooperation become increasingly important. If the use of bottom trawls cannot be effectively inspected and restricted, marine ecosystems will face the risk of further degradation.
How do you think we should find a balance between protecting marine ecology and meeting fishery needs?
