 How long will the biosphere tolerate exploitation of the oceans? Are local fishermen a doomed species? What can be done to reverse the decline of fish stocks around the planet? This program documents the environmental and socioeconomic costs of excessive fishing. The film contrasts ancient maritime practices—like those of Mauritania’s Imragen fishermen and Djibouti’s pearl divers and lobster hunters—with large-scale fishing off Africa’s coasts. It also raises awareness of financial and political factors, such as the granting of monopolies to corporations and consortiums and the failure of international regulations to prevent illegal fishing. The harm caused by trawl and gill nets, as well as the risks and benefits of aquaculture, are crucial topics. (47 minutes)
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