Talk of the Town：Trawling threats to the big blue
【明報專訊】The French wing of conservation group Sea Shepherd was the first to publish images of the dense layer of blue whiting carcasses on the surface of the Bay of Biscay. The fish is a sub-species of cod(鱈魚), which is used to mass-produce fish fingers, fish oil and meal. French maritime minister Annick Girardin described the scene as ''shocking'' and ordered an investigation into the spill. The incident has revived discussions on overfishing and illegal fishing practices.
The mass of dead fish was caused by a rupture in the fishing net in a ''very rare occurrence'' due to the unexpectedly large size of the fish caught, said fishing industry group Pelagic Freezer-Trawler Association (PFA), a representative of the Dutch-owned vessel. However, environmentalists disputed this and said it was an attempt to discharge undesired fish, which is known as ''discharging bycatch'', a practice banned under EU fishing rules.
◆What is trawling(拖網捕魚)?
Trawlers like the FV Margiris use dragnets that measure over a kilometre in length and process the catch in onboard factories, a practice widely criticised by environmentalists. Trawling is a type of unselective fishing gear that can deplete marine life, particularly when some species are caught and discarded, leading to overfishing. The long nets can also injure marine mammals like dolphinsor harm marine ecosystems like coral reefs.
With the public outcry sparked by the incident, Sea Shepherd France is hoping to raise awareness of the damage of overfishing and calls for stronger policing of industrial trawlers to protect marine ecosystems.
■ Game
(Answer on next text)
A dolphin is trapped in a fishing net. Can you help it escape from the maze covered with marine debris and other fishes ?
(See the picture)
■ Grammar booster
Revive
If you revive something, you make something start being used or done again.
e.g. The debate over equal pay was revived after mass layoffs of workers in the company.
■ Gear up
1. The fish caught in trawling nets of the FV Margiris are processed in factories back ashore.(True/False)
(Answer on next text)
■Glossary
carcass (n) 動物屍體
rupture (n) 破裂
catch (n) 捕獲量
deplete (v) 消耗
(Criticisms on this publication, if any, are aimed at pointing out the errors or defects of certain systems or policies with a view of rectifying or eradicating such errors or defects, as well as prompting improvement or remedy for them via lawful means. There is absolutely no intention of inciting hatred, discontent or hostility towards the government or other classes of the community.)
[Smarties' Power English 第337期]
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