SAN FRANCISCO — While blast fishing — which is using explosives to stun and kill fish — is illegal, it is still practiced in places where desperation is high and dynamite is available.
One example is the Philippines, which is home to more marine-protected areas than any other country, but has seen a steady decline in average catch per day due, in part, to destructive fishing practices that destroy ecosystems.
“No take zones” — areas where fishermen are not allowed to catch in order to allow stock to replenish — will not work without individual behavior change, said Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, a conservation organization that trains local leaders to inspire their communities to take pride in natural resource management.