Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing is one of the most profitable criminal activities in the world. The black market trafficking industry is estimated to be worth up to USD23 billion annually, for both terrestrial and marine animals (according to traffic.org, 2024).

There are many moving parts that make up the illegal wildlife trade. These consist of the demand for a product or ‘delicacy’, the effectiveness of existing policies protecting wildlife, and the necessity for communities to depend on the trade as a form of livelihood. All of these need to be tackled in order to reduce and put an end to the illegal trade of wildlife.

Though many marine species are endangered and face the threat of extinction due to human consumption, there are a number of hard-working organisations that strive to put an end to this and save our oceans. Have a look below at some amazing projects that exist in different parts of the world, and learn about the illegal marine wildlife trade and what you can do to support and protect our oceans!

Project Hiu

Located in Tanjung Luar, Southeast Lombok, Indonesia, at one of the largest shark finning markets in the world, is Project Hiu - working to make a difference by repurposing local fishermen and their vessels towards ecotourism and away from shark finning as a form of livelihood.

Here, sharks (amongst an array of other illegally hunted species like dolphins and manta rays) are hunted and caught for their fins in order to supply an international demand. They are exported from Lombok to countries such as China and Thailand where shark fins are considered a delicacy or used for traditional medicinal purposes.

There are a number of things wrong with this process. The first is that the fishermen and local community are dependant on an external demand that is not economically sustainable, or self-sufficient, and the second is the environmental issue of hunting a vital species whose population is limited and already dwindling. What will they fish when all sharks have been hunted? Third is that shark meat (and other predatory fish) contains high amounts of mercury. This is toxic for humans to consume.

Project Hiu works at the community level to provide a sustainable source of income that can benefit the local population for future generations, as well as protect shark populations and ensure the health of our oceans.

The Manta Trust

Similar to sharks, manta ray populations are vulnerable. And similar to shark fins, mobulid (cartilaginous rays) gill plates are also considered a delicacy with medicinal properties. This is however not scientifically proven or supported, and is a result of false marketing.

The Manta Trust works to intensify protection for mobulids, primarily manta rays, worldwide on a legislative level. By focusing their efforts on manta ray migration and biological research, they work to use information to lobby governments into protecting mantas, their habitats, and also provide tools and training for these governing bodies to implement policies and enforce regulations.

Sea Shepherd

Sea Shepherd is one of, if not the most confronting force to illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing worldwide. On a planet where policies may not always be enforced, Sea Shepherd takes that responsibility into their own hands.

They take direct action on the seas, confronting poachers, cartels, and industrial trawlers that destroy marine environments, taking what is protected, and from critical habitats that are also protected. Sea Shepherd enforces that protection on a daily basis.

To conclude, all three of these organisations advocate for the protection of our oceans and work to spread awareness about this global issue. By visiting their sites and learning more about their work, there may be something you can do to help our ocean and those who depend on it!

Written by Kayli Wouters

LinkedIn | Instagram