This article reveals how dragging fishing nets across the ocean floor, aka bottom trawling, is a significant yet previously unaccounted contributor to atmospheric carbon emissions. Roughly 55-60% of carbon dioxide produced underwater because of bottom trawling enters the atmosphere within 9 years. The carbon released from this approximately doubles the annual emissions from fuel combustion of the entire global fishing fleet. Specifically, the East China Sea, the Baltic and North Seas, and the Greenland Sea all have especially high carbon emissions from bottom trawling. So, we need to start addressing bottom trawling when addressing climate change. This is all related to ocean acidification because 40-45% of the carbon that is dislodged from the ocean floor remains in the water. This carbon then contributes to ocean acidification in that specific area, which further damages marine life.
This is related to environmental science because although climate change is a huge part of the environmental science curriculum, and is related to lots of the jobs in the environmental science field, this issue seems to go widely overlooked and unnoticed. For something that contributes to localized ocean acidification and global carbon emissions, most people have probably never even considered that bottom trawling could be so harmful. So, it highlights something that has been overlooked for decades but will need to be addressed if we want a chance at stopping climate change.
National Geographic Pristine Seas. (2024, January 18). Team uncovers new marine source of carbon emissions into atmosphere. Phys.org. https://phys.org/news/2024-01-team-uncovers-marine-source-carbon.html
I fully agree with your perspective on the critical importance of addressing bottom trawling in the context of climate change and its often overlooked contribution to atmospheric carbon emissions and ocean acidification. The study’s findings shed light on the interconnectedness of human activities and their impact on the environment, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive approach in environmental science education and policies. Given the significant role bottom trawling plays in carbon release, how do you envision raising awareness among the general public and policymakers to promote meaningful actions and policy changes regarding this overlooked but environmentally impactful practice?