Mediterranean Fishermen Find There's A Catch

As supplies dwindle, livelihoods at risk—and so are some species

By Sam Gale Rosen, Newser Staff

Posted Jan 16, 2008 12:48 PM CST

(Newser) – Over-fishing is threatening the many species that fill the Mediterranean Sea—not to mention the livelihoods of local fishermen and the diets of the region's populace—but having 21 countries to deal with makes it difficult to wrangle out an agreement that would give stocks a chance to recover, the Christian Science Monitor reports.

Enforcement is also a major problem, and few fishermen pay much attention to laws currently on the books. Yet some say they've been warning of a collapse for years. "In the sea, it's like there's been a fire forever, but no one does a thing," says the head of an Italian fishing cooperative.

Overfishing on the Mediterranean has disrupted the balance between the markets of different nations, as well as endangering rarer species of fish. (Getty Images)

Overfishing on the Mediterranean is threatening the traditions of fishermen and endangering more than 100 marine species. (Getty Images)

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Mediterranean Fishermen Find There's A Catch

As supplies dwindle, livelihoods at risk—and so are some species

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Earth's Oldest Living Thing Is...

Giant seagrass, called 'Posidonia oceanic,' likely at least 100K years old

Gender-Bending Fish Swap Sexes in Harems

Wild hawkfish change gender to suit the moment

Tuna Sells for Record $736K

That breaks down to about $1,238 per pricey pound

Dead Fish Blanket Norwegian Beach— Then Disappear

Herring appear on New Year's Eve then vanish

Political Parties Act Like Schools of Fish

Vocal minorities can temporarily sway the masses

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As supplies dwindle, livelihoods at risk—and so are some species

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

fish • fishing • Mediterranean Sea

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More Newser Stories

Earth's Oldest Living Thing Is...

Giant seagrass, called 'Posidonia oceanic,' likely at least 100K years old

Gender-Bending Fish Swap Sexes in Harems

Wild hawkfish change gender to suit the moment

Tuna Sells for Record $736K

That breaks down to about $1,238 per pricey pound

Dead Fish Blanket Norwegian Beach— Then Disappear

Herring appear on New Year's Eve then vanish

Political Parties Act Like Schools of Fish

Vocal minorities can temporarily sway the masses

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Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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