The sea is like a minefield: Why illegal fish traps are endangering Italy’s Mediterranean
In the clear, azure waters of the Mediterranean Sea along Italy’s shoreline, an unseen danger lurks just below the waves. Fishermen, environmental advocates, and officials are becoming more concerned about the rising number of illicit fishing traps—some extending for kilometers and remaining unnoticed until damage is done. These unauthorized and often hazardously built devices pose significant threats not just to marine ecosystems but also to legitimate fishing activities, maritime safety, and global conservation initiatives.Described by local fishermen as “invisible dangers,” these traps are likened to marine minefields due to their hazardous and entangling design. Made from plastic, mesh, rope, and…
