Conservationists say cherished creatures such as whales, dolphins and seabirds are being killed in large numbers by fishing tackle

Thousands of Britain’s most charismatic and protected marine wildlife, including whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals and seabirds are being killed as “collateral damage” by fishing vessels every year, according to the first-ever analysis of bycatch data.

The analysis, by the Wildlife and Countryside Link, a coalition of voluntary conservation groups, reveals the devastating toll bycatch, the accidental capture and killing of non-target species by fishing vessels, is having on marine species.

A centuries-old fishing tradition has returned to Meia Praia in Lagos, with dozens of residents, visitors and local officials gathering to witness the first Arte Xávega launch since the practice

The post Traditional Arte Xávega fishing returns to Meia Praia appeared first on Portugal Resident.

Sardine stocks have quadrupled over the last decade, thanks to changes in management practices, which have also benefited bluefin tuna and hake, according to a report released yesterday to mark

The post Sardine stocks ‘quadruple over last decade’ – report appeared first on Portugal Resident.

Wildlife department says drought conditions and water released from dam led to ‘major fish kill’ at San Carlos Lake

Arizona officials have indefinitely closed a popular lake to visitors after its entire population of fish died recently.

The recreation and wildlife department that maintains San Carlos Lake said in a Facebook statement on Friday that drought conditions as well as water released from a dam there “resulted in a major fish kill affecting approximately 100% of the fish population”.

Record numbers linked to warming waters is mixed news for fishers, with shellfish catches down but octopus catches booming

Record numbers of octopuses found off the south-west coast of England last year have now spread as far as Scotland and Wales and are transforming the fishing industry and the marine ecosystem, according to a study.

The surge in sightings of one of the world’s most intelligent invertebrates was first recorded in 2025 off the south coast of Devon and Cornwall.

The Messolonghi-Aitolikos Lagoons National Park in Western Greece is a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional fishing, a practice deeply intertwined with the ingenuity of local communities and the sustainable management of natural resources.

This ancestral knowledge, vital to the region’s cultural identity, is now being meticulously recorded and preserved for future generations. For centuries, fishing here has been more than just a profession; it’s an art form with roots stretching back to medieval-Byzantine times and Venetian rule. Through collaborative efforts with local communities, this crucial element of the region’s heritage is being safeguarded.

Part of the history and life of our country

“The traditional fishing of the Messolonghi Lagoon is part of the history and life of our country. It is connected to the collective cultural consciousness of the inhabitants of the region and travels through the depths of time,” said Spilios Livanos, the former Minister of Rural Development and Food.

The lagoon itself is a vibrant ecosystem, a living organism teeming with rich flora and fauna. This biodiversity, which boasts 290 bird species and over 100 plant species, underpins the traditional fishing practices and exemplifies the harmonious coexistence of humans and nature. The rich natural environment is a cornerstone of professional activity, sustainable development, and the preservation of the traditional way of fishing.

Central to the unique fishing culture of the Messolonghi-Aitolikos lagoons are the distinctive methods and tools employed. The divaria, permanent fishing traps that double as natural fish farms, are a prime example. Across the lagoon complex, there are fourteen such facilities, eight of which are traditional and strategically located where the lagoon meets the sea.

Remarkably, the placement of these traditional divaria has remained unchanged since 1826, a testament to their enduring effectiveness and the deep-rooted knowledge of the local fishermen. These wetlands are highly productive habitats, attracting a vast array of aquatic organisms that are commercially exploited by the more than seven hundred active fishermen in the lagoon today.

Beyond the stationary divaria, other key elements of this traditional know-how include the Pelades, the iconic reed houses built on stilts above the water, which serve as both homes and operational bases for fishermen. The gaites, unique flat-bottomed wooden boats, are essential for navigating the shallow waters of the lagoon and are built using specific types of wood, reflecting a deep understanding of local resources.

Flathead grey mullet (Mugil cephalus) is the most famous fish species caught in these waters. This species is particularly important, as its roe is used to produce the famous Avgotaracho of Messolonghi, a protected designation of origin (PDO) delicacy.

Preserving traditional fishing in Greece’s lagoons

Despite the demanding conditions, generations of fishermen continue this tradition, making it an integral part of their historical and cultural heritage. This resilience was even a crucial factor in the survival of the people of Messolonghi during the city’s historic siege.

The rich tapestry of traditional fishing knowledge encompasses a wide range of skills: from constructing buildings and utilitarian objects to identifying suitable wood for boat building and crafting fishing tools like longlines, harpoons, and stafnokari (a type of net). These permanent installations (divaria) and mobile means (boats, gaites), along with the tools, collectively form a cultural heritage that continues to sustain the inhabitants of the region.

In 2022, the traditional fishing practices of the Messolonghi-Aitolikos Lagoons were included in the National Register of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Greece.

Related: Treasure From the Sea: The Salt Flats of Messolonghi

A fisherman was killed late Saturday morning after an attack by a suspected nearly 15-foot shark off the coast of Western Australia.

The unidentified 35-year-old was spearfishing near Michaelmas Island, a protected sand cay on the Great Barrier Reef not far from the city of Albany.

The island is around 240 miles south of Perth, the state’s capital.

His was the third fatal shark attack in the country in less than a month.

SHARK ATTACK DEATHS SURGE ABOVE DECADE AVERAGE IN 2025

The man was brought by boat to shore, but paramedics weren’t able to revive him.

On May 24, 39-year-old Michael Jensz was killed after suffering head injuries while spearfishing along the Great Barrier Reef off the country’s northeast coast. 

A bull shark is suspected in his death.

On May 16, 38-year-old Steve Mattabonni was killed by a white shark at Rottnest Island, a popular resort in Western Australia. He was also spearfishing.

In January, a 12-year-old also died a week after he was attacked by a shark in Sydney Harbor.

Australia usually averages around three shark deaths per year.

"We do see an increase in larger sharks this time of the year, particularly chasing the sardine and the salmon along the coast, which is quite normal," commercial fisherman Gregory Sharp told the Australian Broadcasting Company Saturday.

He added that sharks also tend to attack in areas "where there's a lot of seals, and the island area in King George Sound is renowned for seals."

Michaelmas Island is located in King George Sound.

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Western Australia Premier Roger Cook said in a Facebook post Saturday that he was deeply saddened to hear of this morning's fatal shark attack in Albany. 

This is a tragedy and my thoughts are with the victim's family and friends, as well as the first responders."

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