A recent report reveals that Beijing is employing updated strategies to control global fishing grounds, depleting oceans, and leading to food insecurity and unemployment. According to the Outlaw Ocean Project, China has established dominance in global fishing with over 6,000 ships, a fleet three times larger than any other nation. This has resulted in the overfishing of one-third of the world’s seafood stocks, primarily due to China’s massive industrial fishing operations targeting fish, squid, shrimp, and other marine creatures.
The report highlights how China’s actions are jeopardizing local livelihoods and food security in many countries, particularly in the global south. Additionally, Western consumers benefit from the cheap seafood sourced by China. China’s reputation for disregarding international fishing laws, pressuring other ships, and exploiting fishing workers has earned it the title of the world’s biggest perpetrator of illegal fishing.
Outlaw Ocean Project director Ian Urbina explained that China is now using a more subtle approach by paying to flag-in its ships under the flag of other countries, allowing them to fish in domestic waters without entering foreign coastal areas. This tactic, while legal, leads to the same negative consequences of depleted seafood stocks and environmental damage. China is expanding its control over national fishing grounds through such agreements in regions like South America, Africa, and the Pacific.
One example cited involved Chinese companies controlling a significant portion of Argentina’s squid fleet by flying the Argentine flag on their vessels. This trend of “buying into” restricted fishing grounds is a concerning development that threatens marine ecosystems and local communities.
McKenzie highlighted that many of these companies have been implicated in various crimes such as illegal dumping of fish, turning off transponders to avoid tracking, tax evasion, and fraud.
He added, “We’ve analyzed trade records which indicate that a significant portion of the catch from Chinese-flagged ships is either sent back to China or exported to markets in America and Europe.”
Research findings revealed that China currently operates nearly 250 flagged-in vessels in the waters of countries like Ghana, Kenya, Iran, Micronesia, and Morocco.
According to McKenzie, the widespread presence of China’s fleet is concerning as most countries mandate vessels to be locally owned to retain profits within the country and facilitate enforcement of fishing regulations.
Tim Walker from South Africa’s Institute for Security Studies emphasized that flagging in undermines countries’ food security, sovereignty, and finances.
He noted that China’s extensive fleet of industrial fishing ships contradicts Beijing’s conservation objectives.
In response to environmental concerns about overfishing, China had previously announced a limit of 3,000 vessels for its distant-water fleet in 2017, as per Walker.
However, China now operates thousands more seafood processing ships flying flags of other nations, engaging in fishing activities in those countries’ waters.
Walker pointed out that China’s flagging-in strategy is particularly prominent in African waters, where Chinese fishing companies provide additional income to impoverished countries.
According to the Outlaw Ocean Project, Chinese companies operate flagged-in vessels in the national waters of at least nine African countries, notably Ghana.
The Environmental Justice Foundation disclosed in 2018 that over 90% of Ghana’s industrial trawling fleet had some level of Chinese control, leading to a crisis in Ghana’s fishing stocks and a significant decline in local fishermen’s incomes.
Furthermore, Urbina mentioned that China has replaced European Union fishing vessels in Moroccan waters and currently operates several flagged-in vessels there.
An investigation by the Outlaw Ocean Project revealed that Chinese-controlled ships from various countries have been involved in illegal fishing, unauthorized trans-shipments, and forced labor in the past six years.
The report also highlighted an incident where an official from Ghana’s Fisheries Commission went missing under suspicious circumstances.
Lead investigator Milko Schvartzman noted that Chinese-operated vessels frequently disable their tracking systems, indicating potential illicit activities like illegal fishing and trans-shipment.
Walker mentioned that China subsidizes its fishing industry significantly, with Chinese firms receiving annual subsidies even when operating in foreign waters.
He added that China’s presence in foreign waters serves a strong geopolitical agenda amid decreased Western influence and investment in regions like Latin America, Africa, and the Pacific.
Schvartzman emphasized that China’s expanding trade relationships in Latin America and the Caribbean, driven by initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative, are part of its global development strategy.
Urbina highlighted China’s focus on maritime dominance, including control over high seas, contested waters, shipping routes, fishing areas, and ports worldwide.
The report by the Outlaw Ocean Project noted that Chinese companies operate numerous overseas facilities in foreign fishing and shipping ports, showcasing China’s relentless pursuit of natural resources.
Walker expressed concern about China’s unchecked expansion and exploitation of resources, warning that the situation may be irreversible.
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