The sea is like a minefield: Illegal fish traps and their impact on Italy’s Mediterranean
In the clear, azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea along Italy’s shoreline, an unseen danger lurks just below the waves. Fishermen, environmental advocates, and officials are becoming more concerned about the rising number of illicit fishing traps—some extending for kilometers and remaining unnoticed until damage is done. These unauthorized and often hazardously built devices pose significant threats not just to marine ecosystems but also to legitimate fishing activities, maritime safety, and global conservation initiatives.Described by coastal fishermen as “hidden perils,” these traps are compared to underwater minefields because of their dangerous and snaring structure. Constructed from plastic, mesh, rope, and…
