Wildlife

Welfare of Deep-Sea Fish in Trawling

Bottom trawling captures deep-sea fish in conditions that cause acute decompression injuries as they are hauled to the surface, causing significant suffering.

Key Facts

Bottom trawling is one of the most destructive fishing methods for seabed ecosystems
Fish hauled from deep water experience rapid decompression causing barotrauma
Many deep-sea bycatch species are discarded dead or dying after trawling
Decompression injuries cause swim bladder rupture and eye protrusion in many species
Deep-sea ecosystems recover extremely slowly from trawling damage

Welfare Considerations

Deep-sea trawling causes suffering at multiple levels: barotrauma injuries to target fish, high bycatch mortality, and destruction of habitat that supports animal communities. Selective fishing methods and trawling bans in sensitive areas reduce this harm.

What You Can Do

Support campaigns for high seas bottom trawling bans
Choose seafood from selective, low-bycatch fishing methods
Advocate for expanded marine protected areas that prohibit trawling
Donate to organizations documenting and campaigning against destructive fishing