The Sargasso Sea supports a range of endemic species and plays a critical role in supporting the life cycle of a number of threatened and endangered species such as the Porbeagle shark, the American and the European eel, as well as billfish, tuna and several species of turtle, migratory birds and cetaceans.The Sargassum mats are home to many endemic species and provide a protective ‘nursery’ for juvenile fish and turtles.
There is emerging recognition of the crucial role it plays in the wider ecosystem ranging from the Atlantic to the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Real and potential threats to the Sargasso Sea include:
Adverse impacts from ships and shipping including underwater noise, damage to Sargassum mats, chemical discharges and ballast water exchange;
Pollution from floating debris including plastics;
Overfishing and the negative impacts of fishing including by-catch and habitat damage;
Opinion: Can bottom trawling ever be sustainable? Worldwide
The following is an excerpt from an article published by Dialogue Earth:
Environmentalists are celebrating a Greek ban on bottom trawling and urging other nations to follow. Some scientis...
Japan celebrates first tuna purse seine fishery to meet MSC Standard Japan
Fishing in the Western Central Pacific Ocean, two partner fisheries Kyowa and Meiho have become the first Japanese flagged tuna vessels using purse seine gear to achieve certification to the MSC Fishe...
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