Blobfish and Deep-Sea Species Welfare Consideration

Deep-sea species face welfare challenges from trawling disturbance and the decompression they experience when brought to the surface during research or bycatch.

Key Facts

Blobfish appear grotesque at surface because decompression distorts their gelatinous low-pressure adapted bodies
Deep-sea species typically die rapidly from decompression when brought to the surface
Research methods using remotely operated vehicles reduce deep-sea disturbance compared to trawling
Many deep-sea species are extremely long-lived with Greenland sharks living over 400 years
Deep-sea habitats are poorly understood with new species described regularly from research dives

Welfare Considerations

Deep-sea species welfare is almost entirely unconsidered in fisheries and research planning despite the suffering caused by decompression. Animals dying from decompression injury as bycatch in deep trawls may number in the millions. Long-lived deep-sea species represent individuals with lives spanning centuries whose welfare during research encounters matters morally. Research methods that minimize disturbance and avoid capturing deep-sea species reduce this often-invisible welfare harm.

What You Can Do

Support replacement of deep-sea trawl research methods with ROV surveys that minimize disturbance
Advocate for deep-sea marine protected areas that prohibit bottom trawling
Learn about deep-sea ecology and the welfare challenges of these remote, poorly known environments
Support international agreements preventing commercial exploitation of deep-sea species with very slow recovery rates
Reduce consumption of deep-sea species to lower demand for trawl fisheries