Couple captures footage of colossal squid while diving in Japan
While on a day trip, Yosuke Tanaka, 41, a diving instructor, and his wife Miki, 34, were informed by locals at a fishing shop about sightings of a massive squid measuring 8.2 feet long off the coast of Toyooka City. The couple managed to record the rare spectacle. (ViralPress/yosuke_tstyle)
A nonprofit organization dedicated to ocean conservation has raised concerns regarding China’s recent fishing ban, suggesting that it may be nothing more than a public relations stunt. The organization questions the effectiveness of the ban, stating that China does not engage in considerable fishing activities in the newly banned areas.
Dr. Max Valentine, Oceana’s Campaign Director, expressed skepticism about China’s fishing bans, comparing them to a penguin claiming to give up flying. In a press release, he stated that ceasing squid fishing in areas where there is no existing fishing activity does not contribute to squid conservation. He emphasized the need for genuine solutions in responsible fishing, rather than employing optics to gain positive perception.
According to Xinhua news, the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs announced a fishing ban in certain regions of the Atlantic Ocean from July to October, and in parts of the eastern Pacific Ocean from September to December in 2020.
LONDON COUNCIL BLOCKS CHINA’S PLAN TO BUILD EMBASSY NEAR TOWER OF LONDON
The ministry stated that all Chinese fishing boats operating in the designated areas would suspend their activities during the ban period. The ministry also claimed to reinforce supervision of fishing boats and enforce penalties for any violations of the moratorium.
Fishing boats set sail from Shenjiamen port in Zhoushan City, located in China’s Zhejiang Province, on a Sunday expedition. (Xu Yu/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Oceana’s analysis revealed that China had minimal presence in the banned zones prior to the implementation of the ban. The Automatic Identification System (AIS), which is part of the Global Fishing Watch (GFW), provides data on vessel names, flag states, and locations in a comprehensive database.
According to Oceana, China’s fishing fleet spent only about 38 hours in the Pacific Ocean’s designated area in 2019, and no time at all in the designated Atlantic Ocean area. In contrast, China captured a total of 278,000 tons of squid in 2022, as stated in an analysis conducted by GFW.
CHINA DETAINS MILITARY INDUSTRIAL WORKER ACCUSED OF ESPIONAGE FOR CIA
Valentine argued that China’s recent ban is merely an attempt to improve its global image in the face of criticism regarding illegal and unreported fishing practices. He criticized China for engaging in destructive fishing techniques and then using deceptive conservation measures to divert attention from their actions.
An employee dries squid at a food factory in Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China, on October 22, 2022. (VCG/VCG via Getty Images)
“These phony conservation measures are an insult to honest fishermen and governments worldwide that are genuinely committed to protecting our oceans and those who rely on them,” Valentine added. He stressed the necessity for greater transparency in fishing practices to prevent deceptive tactics and ensure the preservation of marine resources.
CHINA SENDS 6 NAVY SHIPS, 33 FIGHTER JETS TOWARD TAIWAN IN NEW SHOW OF FORCE
Oceana highlighted that China possesses the largest distant-water fishing fleet globally, with nearly 11,000 vessels, based on AIS data. Despite the announced ban, the fleet continued extensive squid fishing, logging over 330,000 hours in the first half of 2023.
Fishing boats are lined up at Shenjiamen port in Zhoushan City, located in China’s Zhejiang Province. (Xu Yu/Xinhua via Getty Images)
In 2020, China drew
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
