China's 200,000-strong fishing fleet, accounting for half of all total fishing activity, is depleting the world's fish stocks, despite government regulations. Rules regarding young fish releases and fishing seasons make sense on paper, but are ineffective, as China's 2,600 super trawlers frequently under-report their catches. With China responsible for one third of global fish consumption, but fewer fish in the oceans, the government has had to hand out $28bn in fishing subsidies in the first day of the season. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation reported that around 90% of global fisheries are over-fished or at the limit of sustainability.
China's 200,000-strong fishing fleet, accounting for half of all total fishing activity, is depleting the world's fish stocks, despite government regulations. Rules regarding young fish releases and fishing seasons make sense on paper, but are ineffective, as China's 2,600 super trawlers frequently under-report their catches. With China responsible for one third of global fish consumption, but fewer fish in the oceans, the government has had to hand out $28bn in fishing subsidies in the last four years. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation reported that around 90% of global fisheries are over-fished or at the limit of sustainability.