Conflict in the Mediterranean

Fishing pirates from two separate vessels who were using illegal driftnets off the Southern Italian coast threatened Greenpeace activists on two occasions in the same evening as they attempted to confiscate the illegal nets, measuring around 15 kilometres and 15 metres deep. Crew on the fishing vessels hurled objects, brandished huge machete-style knives, and in one instance attempted to board the Greenpeace ship.

Walls of death

Driftnets, known as “walls of death”, were banned years ago by the United Nations and the European Union, but are still being used to catch a dwindling stock of swordfish. They are also responsible for regularly trapping and killing thousands of whales and dolphins in their path. In the past week, authorities have rounded up hundreds of kilometres of the illegal nets in the Mediterranean, illustrating their continued widespread use, despite the bans.

To add insult to injury, the first vessel to confront the Rainbow Warrior late last night had already received 28,000 Euros in grants to change its fishing gear, but they were still using the destructive and outdated equipment.

Marine reserves now!

Luckily, a few machetes are not enough to scare off our activists.  The pirates may have tried to threaten us, but the real threat from their illegal activities is to the Mediterranean and it’s marine life.

What really needs to happen is action from governments - to enforce the driftnet ban and establish a network of marine reserves protect threatened marine life, replenishing the sea's fish stocks.  The Rainbow Warrior will keep working in the Mediterranean to defend our oceans, as the Esperanza travels on towards Egypt to continue her expedition.

Help us convince governments to act - sign up as an Ocean Defender!

Read more about 'tuna trouble' in the Mediterranean