Illegal driftnet use widespread in Indian Ocean, says Greenpeace

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NAIROBI — Greenpeace has uncovered widespread use of illegal driftnets in the northwest Indian Ocean, which it says are decimating marine life in what is one of the world’s most ecologically vulnerable fishing grounds.

During two weeks at sea, the environmental organization says it filmed seven ships within 20 square miles (50 sq km) using driftnets to catch tuna. It detected another eight vessels on radar using navigational patterns that also suggested the use of nets.

“If yellowfin tuna continues to decrease at the current rate then food security in the region, as well as local economies [are] going to take a huge hit,” Greenpeace said.

Nicknamed the “walls of death” for…

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