Wildlife

Fish Discarding in Commercial Fisheries

Bycatch discards — fish returned dead or dying to the sea — represent a massive source of mortality and suffering; EU discard bans have reduced but not eliminated the practice.

Key Facts

Global fisheries discard an estimated 10 million tonnes of fish annually
Discarded fish suffer barotrauma, physical injury, and asphyxiation before death
EU discard bans require retention of most bycatch species but are inconsistently enforced
Selective gear technology reduces unwanted bycatch by 30-70% in well-managed fisheries

Welfare Considerations

Discarding combines multiple welfare harms: the capture process causes barotrauma from pressure change, physical injury from trawl gear, and oxygen depletion; discarded fish that survive the mechanical trauma then experience asphyxiation after being returned to the sea. Reducing discards through selective gear, quota reform, and responsible fishing practices simultaneously addresses welfare, waste, and sustainability.

What You Can Do

Support fisheries certified by standards requiring low discard rates
Advocate for mandatory observer coverage on commercial fishing vessels
Raise awareness that sustainable fishing certifications should include discard rate requirements