Exploitation of deep-sea fishery resources

Deep-sea fisheries occur at depths between 200 and 1800 m, using bottom trawls, long lines, and occasionally pots and gillnets. These fisheries were of minor interest and value until the mid-1980s when large stocks of fish were discovered, mostly on high-seas seamounts. However, because of the life-history characteristics of deep-dwelling fish, most seamount fish stocks were soon overfished, and few have recovered. Total deep-sea fish catch since 1950 represents about 3 per cent of the global catch, yet the environmental harm caused to deep-sea bottom communities by bottom trawling is extensive and long lasting, far exceeding the value of the fishery. In response, the United Nations has passed several resolutions since 2004 requiring the establishment of regional fisheries management organisations (RFMOs) who would be responsible for setting catch limits for the target species and requiring actions that would limit the damage to the habitat by fishing gear. To date, the latter of these two requirements, at least, has not been successfully met.