Sea Fishing News

Read all of the latest news about angling, commercial fishing, conservation and other issues relating to the marine environment from the UK and beyond.

March 2026 News

BBC investigation into European glass eels: A new BBC investigation has examined the vast and largely hidden trade in European glass eels – the juvenile form of the critically endangered European silver eel. Considered a delicacy in much of Asia, illegally exporting glass eels out of Europe offers high profits at a low risk to those involved. Once common in Europe’s rivers, the European eel has suffered a dramatic decline, with populations falling by around 95 per cent since the 1980s. While there are many factors in this decline, such as pollution, barriers to upriver migration and habitat destruction, the illegal export of large numbers of eels has played a major role in their decline. Entitled Billion Dollar Babies, the BBC reveal how organised criminal networks are exploiting soaring demand in Asia for glass eels. Because eels cannot be bred commercially in captivity, the trade depends entirely on wild-caught juveniles. Filmed undercover, the investigation gains rare access to members of a Hong Kong triad involved in the smuggling operation. Traffickers describe the business as less risky than narcotics, with lighter penalties if caught. Individual eels may fetch only a few dollars, but shipments weighing hundreds of kilograms can generate substantial profits. Operations are tightly coordinated, with transfers to larger vessels equipped to keep the live eels alive en route to China taking place under the cover of darkness. The trade persists despite strict protections. A Europe-wide ban on exports outside the continent, introduced nearly two decades ago, was intended to safeguard the species but has instead helped fuel a lucrative illicit market and British rivers such as the River Severn remain key harvesting grounds. The documentary can be (at the time of this writing) viewed on YouTube by clicking here, and is also available as a podcast on the BBC Sounds app.

EU could fish in Chagos Island marine protected zone: The British government’s decision to give the Chagos Islands to Mauritius (and then spend billions of pounds of taxpayers’ money leasing back the military base on the islands) could have a very negative consequence for the area’s marine life. Since 2010, almost a quarter of a million square miles of the Indian Ocean around the Chagos Islands have been designated a no-take Marine Protected Area. Enforced by the UK, the zone has served as a refuge for marine life, including tuna, manta rays and endangered shark species, allowing stocks to recover in an otherwise heavily fished region. However, an article in the Telegraph this month claimed that if the transfer of sovereignty went ahead, the European Union could negotiate access to fish in the island’s waters with Mauritius. Environmental groups warn that any relaxation of protections could have far-reaching consequences. The EU already operates under fishing agreements across the Indian Ocean, including with Mauritius, the Seychelles and Madagascar, targeting species such as yellowfin tuna, part of an industry valued at more than £6 billion annually. Critics argue that industrial fishing methods, particularly large-scale purse seining, risk depleting vulnerable stocks. Concerns have been amplified by past accusations that European fleets have overexploited fisheries off the west coast of Africa, such as the EU agreement to fish in the waters of the politically unstable and impoverished nation of Mauritania. Opponents fear similar pressures could be brought to bear on Chagos if its protected status is weakened. At the heart of the issue is the EU’s Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreement with Mauritius, which permits European vessels to fish in waters under Mauritian jurisdiction in exchange for financial support. Should sovereignty of the Chagos Islands pass to Mauritius, those waters could fall within the scope of the agreement. Read more here.

Guardian looks at controversy over the Antarctic krill fishery: An article in the Guardian this month examined how krill – a tiny, shrimp-like crustacean – is being overexploited in the waters of the Antarctic. Industrial fishing for the species is concentrated around Coronation Island and the South Orkney Islands, around 350 miles (600km) from the north east edge of the Antarctic Peninsula. Krill fishing has become big business, with the krill fishery worth around £335 million, as krill have become widely used in fishmeal used to feed aquaculture and oils used in health supplements. This has led to vast industrial fishing operations, with countries such as Norway, China, Chile and South Korea operating huge trawlers which can process and package krill on board while also being refulled at sea, allowing krill fishing operations to last for many weeks. Fishing in the region is legal and governed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which sets annual catch limits. The current “trigger level” stands at 620,000 tonnes, a figure reached last year. Environmental groups argue that this concentration of activity risks undermining a delicately balanced ecosystem. Emerging scientific research has raised concerns that krill populations may not be sufficient to meet the combined demands of predators and fisheries. Studies have also indicated potential declines in breeding success among humpback whales and certain penguin species, trends some scientists link to reduced krill availability. Beyond their ecological role, krill are increasingly recognised for their contribution to carbon sequestration. By feeding on phytoplankton and transferring carbon to the deep ocean, they help regulate atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. A reduction in krill abundance, campaigners warn, could therefore have implications extending beyond the Antarctic. Industry representatives maintain that such concerns are overstated. Companies involved in the fishery emphasise that catches represent a small proportion of the overall krill biomass and that operations are conducted under strict international oversight, including independent observers on vessels. CCAMLR has stated that, to date, there is no conclusive scientific evidence demonstrating a direct threat to krill as a species or to the wider Antarctic marine ecosystem. Environmental groups, however, remain convinced that krill catch levels are too high, and the conservation organisation Sea Shepherd dispatched its vessel, Allankay, on a 34-day voyage from New Zealand via Argentina to document krill fishing operations and raise publicity about the high levels of Antarctic krill which are being captured. Read the full article on the Guardian website here.

Mass stranding of pilot whales caused by loyalty to pod: The mass stranding of fifty-five whales on a beach in the Outer Hebrides in 2023 was most likely caused by the animals’ strong social bonds, according to a new scientific report. The incident, involving long-finned pilot whales, occurred at Tràigh Mhòr near Tolsta on the Isle of Lewis and was one of the largest strandings recorded in the UK in recent years. Initially, scientists had considered a range of possible causes, including disease, injury or disturbance from underwater noise generated by military or industrial activity. However, an investigation by the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (Smass), working with the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate, concluded that the deaths were more likely the result of a complex interaction of biological and environmental factors. Andrew Brownlow, the lead scientist on the investigation, said the whales had appeared to be in generally good health before entering shallow waters while closely following a female experiencing a prolonged and difficult birth. Long-finned pilot whales are highly social animals, known for remaining tightly grouped and supporting sick or injured members of their pod. Brownlow said this instinctive behaviour may have inadvertently led the group into danger. The whales were observed close to shore before becoming stranded. According to the report, the gently sloping seabed and fine suspended sediments of the bay may have created what researchers describe as an “acoustic trap”, interfering with the animals’ echolocation and making it harder for them to navigate back to deeper water. Unable to refloat themselves, the surviving animals were euthanised on the beach to prevent further suffering. The findings may help scientists understand a similar incident almost a year later, when seventy-seven pilot whales were stranded on Sanday in Orkney. Mass monitoring data suggests the scale and frequency of whale and dolphin mass strandings around Scotland has increased significantly over the past three decades. Read more by clicking here.

Fishermen safety concern over dangers posed by marine protected area: Plans to expand marine protected areas around Jersey have been welcomed by environmental groups but have prompted concern among commercial fishermen, who warn the changes could make their work more difficult and potentially more dangerous. Members of the States Assembly of Jersey voted unanimously this month to approve measures that will more than quadruple the size of marine protected areas (MPAs) in the island’s waters and introduce tighter restrictions on certain fishing methods. Under the proposals, activities such as dredging and trawling will be banned in the designated zones. Currently, just under 7 per cent of Jersey’s waters are protected, but this will rise to 21.7 per cent by September, with a further increase to follow by 2030. Stephen Viney, chairman of the Jersey Fishermen’s Association, said he supported efforts to protect the marine environment but warned the plans could have unintended consequences for the local fleet. According to the association, the new protected areas encompass roughly 80 per cent of the most productive fishing grounds traditionally used by Jersey vessels. Viney said the restrictions would push fishing activity into fewer areas and further offshore, increasing risks for crews – particularly those operating smaller boats. “For an industry that already faces significant challenges, this displacement risks making an already difficult occupation even harder and potentially more dangerous,” he said. During the debate, Steve Luce, Jersey’s environment minister, acknowledged the expansion would have a “real impact” on the island’s fishing community but argued the reforms were necessary to secure the long-term sustainability of the sector. Environmental organisations welcomed the decision with the Blue Marine Foundation saying the move was the positive outcome of years of consultation and collaboration. Freddie Watson of the charity described it as a “pivotal moment” that would give marine life space to recover while helping fisheries become more resilient to climate change. Alan Le Maistre, chief executive of the National Trust for Jersey, said the measures would protect some of the island’s most valuable marine habitats. Some politicians, including Hilary Jeune, have suggested the protected area could eventually rise to 30 per cent of Jersey’s waters by 2030. Read more by clicking here.

Highly regulated tuna fishery for Jersey: In another Jersey-related story, the government of the bailiwick has approved the introduction of tightly regulated recreational fishing for Atlantic bluefin tuna, marking a significant shift following the species’ recovery in regional waters. Ministers said the move reflects a “carefully controlled, sustainable” approach after the Atlantic bluefin tuna – once driven to the brink by decades of overfishing – has staged a notable resurgence. The species has been removed from the endangered list by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and has, in recent years, returned to waters around the Channel Islands. Under the new regime, the government will issue up to twenty-five permits for the 2026 season, each priced at £500. The licences will allow recreational, catch-and-release fishing only, with strict conditions designed to safeguard the long-term health of the stock. Steve Luce, the island’s Environment Minister, said the framework aims to balance conservation with limited public access. The measures, he said, would ensure both “long-term protection of this species and the sustainable enjoyment of our marine environment”. He added that a precautionary approach had been adopted, with the fish remaining protected under wildlife legislation while scientific understanding of population trends continues to develop. Historically abundant in British waters, bluefin tuna all but disappeared in the mid-20th century as industrial fishing intensified, with no confirmed sightings for several decades. Jersey’s participation in the fishery follows its inclusion within the UK’s membership of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas, which oversees the management of tuna stocks across the Atlantic. Officials said the island is now “ready to participate” in what they described as a tightly regulated and internationally monitored system. To minimise harm, all permit holders will be required to undergo mandatory training in fish handling and release techniques, ensuring high welfare standards. Fishing activity will also be closely monitored, with data collected to inform future scientific assessments and guard against any decline in stock levels. The initiative reflects a broader effort to reconcile conservation success with sustainable use, as policymakers test whether a once-vanished species can be responsibly reintroduced into limited recreational fishing without jeopardising its recovery. Read more by clicking here.

No further regulation for Scottish fish farm: Further regulation of Scotland’s salmon farms is not currently required, according to a new report, despite recent concerns over rising fish mortality in the sector. Research published this week by the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate concluded that although fish deaths remain elevated at some sites, “persistent high levels of fish deaths” are not a widespread problem across the industry. The report says producers are already taking steps to improve survival rates. These include the use of protective seal nets to reduce predation, selective breeding programmes to produce more resilient fish and expanded vaccination to prevent disease. The findings come after a difficult period for the sector. Figures reported last year showed that salmon production rose sharply in 2024, but survival rates fell to their lowest level in more than three decades. Campaigners have criticised the figures, with Abigail Penny, executive director of Animal Equality UK, describing them at the time as “a national scandal”. Ministers, however, say the situation has since improved and argue that existing regulation is sufficient. Mairi Gougeon, Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, said the industry had made “significant improvements” in 2025 in areas such as transparency, resilience and sustainability. “We have worked with the sector to ensure it develops sustainably and brings lasting benefits to our rural and island communities,” she said. Gougeon added that the government had strengthened regulatory frameworks and invested in innovation to help fish farms tackle disease, improve fish welfare and adapt to the effects of climate change. Scottish salmon, she said, remains “an internationally renowned” product that commands a premium price. While welcoming the report’s findings, she added that producers must continue working to reduce mortality rates and improve fish health across all sites. Click here to read more.

‘Whale headbutt’ caught on camera for the first time: Scientists have, for the first time, captured footage of sperm whale apparently using their heads to strike one another, confirming a behaviour long confined to sailors’ tales and literary imagination. Researchers from the University of St Andrews recorded the encounters using drones over waters near the Azores and the Balearic Islands between 2020 and 2022. The overhead perspective provided rare insight into near-surface interactions that would otherwise be difficult to observe. Accounts of headbutting date back to 19th-century whalers, most famously the sinking of the whaleship Essex in 1820, an घटना that later inspired the epic 1851 novel Moby-Dick by Herman Melville. Until now, however, such claims lacked modern scientific evidence. The new footage shows that the behaviour is not limited to large adult males, as previously assumed, but is also performed by sub-adult whales. The purpose remains uncertain. Scientists suggest it could be a form of social interaction or a physical contest, much of which may occur beneath the surface and so has gone largely unseen. The sperm whale’s head, which can account for up to a third of its body length, contains the largest brain of any animal and a cavity filled with spermaceti oil, thought to aid buoyancy and sound production. Sperm whales are among the ocean’s most formidable divers, capable of descending to depths of several kilometres in pursuit of squid. Found in deep waters worldwide, they can live for around seventy years and grow to more than 18 metres in length. Although classified as vulnerable, their global population is estimated at about 100,000. Researchers hope further drone observations will help determine whether headbutting is aggression, play, or something else entirely. Read more by clicking here.

Seal rescued after tangle in commercial fishing gear: A young seal has narrowly avoided serious injury after becoming entangled in discarded fishing netting off the North East coast. The pup, estimated to be just a few months old, was spotted at a haul-out on St Mary’s Island by a volunteer from the St Mary’s Island Wildlife Conservation Society. Rescue teams were forced to wait until the incoming tide allowed safe access before intervening, carefully monitoring the situation as the animal rested among a group of other seals. Once conditions allowed, the team moved in and successfully freed the pup, preventing what could have become a fatal entanglement. Conservationists warn that so-called “ghost gear” – abandoned or lost fishing equipment – poses a significant threat to marine life. The organisation says such incidents are increasingly common, with curious seals often investigating floating sections of lost fishing gear and becoming trapped. Read more by clicking here.

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