By 2048, our oceans could be virtually empty if overfishing doesn’t cease. This alarming statistic is not just a warning—it’s a wake-up call. 

With the increasing awareness around sustainable practices in the spearo community, the question arises: “Is spearfishing sustainable?”

Under ideal circumstances, spearfishing stands out as the most sustainable fishing method for a few good reasons: 

1. Selection: It allows for the targeting of sustainable sizes, ensuring that young, underdeveloped fish remain in the ecosystem to thrive and reproduce. 

2. No bycatch: With spearfishing, what you see is what you get. There’s no unintended catch, preserving non-target species and maintaining biodiversity. 

3. Ethical kill: The approach ensures a quick and humane end for the fish, minimizing suffering and respecting the marine life.

By definition, sustainability is engaging in practices that can be repeated indefinitely without depleting or degrading the resources involved. 

Let‘s be honest with each other: Especially in the beginning, spearfishing sustainably is hard. 

Sustainability is a skill you have to learn.

There’s another hiccup in the narrative of sustainability. Spearfishing loses its sustainability charm when it becomes too popular. Imagine hundreds of noob spearos trying to harvest fish on the shores of a specific area in a depth of max. 10 meters.

Not so sustainable anymore, is it?

Also: Driving around for hours with your boat, burning through your fuel tank, trying to find the trophy Tuna is not ecologically sustainable either (probably not even economically). 

But how can spearfishing positively impact our oceans? Here are 10 sustainable tactics for the conscious spearo: 

Select Your Fish Wisely, Because You Can!

The main argument that I always put forward for the sustainability of spearfishing is the chance to select your catch. But without the proper knowledge, this practice can quickly backfire. 

Why? Let’s look at the most important aspects of fish selection:

1. Big Catch, Bigger Impact: Understanding Fish Size and Egg Production

When considering the size of fish to spear, it’s crucial to understand the relationship between a fish’s size and its reproductive output. 

The bigger the fish, the more (high quality) eggs:

A study across 342 species showed that fish reproductive-energy output increases disproportionately with body size

That means larger female fish have a significantly higher reproductive output (more and nutrient richer eggs) compared to their smaller counterparts. 

One notable example of this study was a female 30-kilogram Atlantic cod producing more eggs than two 28-kilogram counterparts combined.

So next time when you are fishing for the dinner table and you have the choice between two fish: 

Put aside your ego and consider shooting the smaller one.

But not too small, you have to find the sweet spot… Which brings us to the next important aspect:

2. Choose Fish That Have Contributed to the Next Generation

Two Dusky Grouper spawning (Photorealistic AI Art)

Familiarize yourself with Minimum Conservation Reference Sizes (MCRSs, find EU MCRSs here) of each area you are fishing in. They typically make sure that you are not targeting juvenile fish.

But even some of them are not 100% accurate and sustainable

Especially because they only include minimum sizes and ignore the fact of the importance of large individuals. 

So it is a good initiative to develop your own “Catch Window”, so for example for groupers you will only catch fish within 55 to 70 cm. This way you can make sure that you are giving them the chance to have spawned at least once but you are not taking out the key species for one specific area.

3. Understand the Reproductive Maturity of Different Species. 

For instance, groupers undergo gender changes as they age, with males generally being larger and older at maturity. Males typically mature when they’re about 40 to 50 cm long, while females reach maturity at a size range of 50 to 60 cm.

But how can you even determine the size in the sometimes fast paced underwater world?

Gauging the size of fish, especially in bluewater hunting environments can be tricky since you do not have a reference point for estimating the size of a fish. This is known as “Blue Water Syndrome”

Pro Tip: To overcome this, start by measuring your catches. This way you will develop a feeling for the species you are targeting.

Marking your speargun or using body measurements like the distance from your elbow to fingertips can help estimate size more accurately in the water, ensuring you make sustainable choices.

4. Inform Yourself for Protected & Endangered Species

When spearfishing, knowing your do’s and don’ts regarding protected and endangered marine buddies is super important. 

For the USA NOAA Fisheries has got a list of 163 marine species that are on the endangered (79) or threatened (84) list, showing just how much we need to look out for our oceanic neighbours. 

According to EU regulation, spearfishermen should exercise caution and avoid catching the following marine species in Europe: 

  • Any species of rays, including Manta rays, and others resembling them 
  • All shark species 
  • The Hatpin Urchin (Centrostephanus longispinus) 
  • Female lobsters (Homarus gammarus) and female crawfish (Palinurus spp.) with eggs

5. Target Invasive Marine Species

A picture of an invasive lionfish
Adrian Jakob | Unsplash

Another great way to have an positive environmental impact as a spearo is spearfishing for invasive species, like Lionfish.

Why you ask?

Lionfish are recognized for their rapid breeding and voracious appetite and pose a significant threat to marine ecosystems. Capable of releasing approximately 2 million eggs annually, they have a high survival rate from egg to adulthood, exacerbating their invasive impact. 

Consuming prey up to half their size, lionfish can reduce native marine populations by up to 90% in just 5 weeks. Their broad diet includes over 70 different species, further endangering diverse marine life.

To combat the invasive lionfish, especially in regions like the USA, including Florida, innovative measures are being implemented. Divers are encouraged to spearfish for lionfish using scuba gear and polespears.

6. Spear „Undesirable“ Species

Screenshot: Youtube Series, Spearfishing The Undesirables

There are a few species out there that have the undesirable status even though they are delicious. For Australian species, I can recommend the series “Spearfishing the Undesirables” by Wet Mammal on YouTube. I really liked the idea of pursuing the less pressured species and finding out which of those are living up to their reputation.

7. Chose Different Hunting Grounds

I know it is tempting to go to that reef where you always find some nice fish for supper. 

But hunting the same reef over and over and over will put a lot of pessure on the area. 

Switching up fishing spots is crucial for the health of marine ecosystems and will be more fun in the long run since you are forced to explore new territory.

What I also find worth to mention in this context: Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)/ No take-zones (NTZs) 

The introduction of no-fishing zones has been effective in conserving marine life and aiding the recovery of overfished populations. 

For example, in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, the creation of no-take zones has significantly boosted the numbers of valuable species such as the coral trout. These fish not only became more prevalent in protected areas but also larger than those in areas still open to fishing. 

Also there is the Spillover effect: It occurs when no-take zones/ marine protected areas allow fish populations to grow and spill over into adjacent fishing areas, enhancing fish stocks and biodiversity outside the protected zones. 

This boost in fish population not only aids in ecosystem recovery but also supports fisheries by increasing the number of fish available for capture nearby.

8. Ensure Good (Holding) Shots

You will probably agree with me on this one: There is no worse feeling than injuring and losing a fish. But in the reality of spearfishing, this happens. 

Not close enough? Rocks directly behind the fish?

Just to name the two most common ways why the flopper would not engage.

What do we learn from our gravest errors? 

Only take shots where you are sure you will penetrate the fish properly (& the flopper does engage). 

9. Become a Citizen Scientist

Spearos can play an active and important part in conservation themselves:

You can become a citizen scientists by volunteering your time to help with scientific research, contributing to projects ranging from data collection to processing information online. This involvement in citizen science offers a unique opportunity for spearfishermen to apply their knowledge and skills towards meaningful scientific contributions, enhancing both our understanding of marine environments and the conservation efforts within them.

And hey, if the thought of diving deep into citizen science feels like a big leap, why not simply invite scientists aboard your boat

Many researchers are on the lookout for ways to stretch their limited resources, and your offer could be a golden ticket for them. It’s a chill way to contribute, opening up new horizons for both you and the scientific community.

10. Pick up Some Trash

Are you out there looking for crayfish or scallops but none are showing?

Then turn your waist bag to a waste bag. (lol) 

Scooping up trash as you spearfish not only keeps the seas spic and span but also protects marine life. It’s a simple act with a big impact, making every dive count for more than just the catch.

… There you have it. 10 Ways on how Spearos can be more sustainable hunters. You’re welcome! 🙂

FAQ

Is it ethical to spear fish?

Spearfishing can be considered ethical when done responsibly, targeting non-endangered species, adhering to local regulations, and minimizing environmental impact. Spearfishers contribute to conservation efforts by selectively removing invasive species and avoiding bycatch, aligning with principles of sustainable fishing practices.

What are the issues with spearfishing?

Spearfishing issues center on potential overfishing, emphasizing the need for spearfishers to be educated on sustainable practices. Responsible spearfishing involves targeting only abundant species, avoiding protected areas, and understanding marine ecosystems to minimize negative impacts.

Is spearfishing painful for fish?

Yes. Empirical evidence confirms that fish can experience pain. Behavioral and physiological indicators are used to assess fish pain, highlighting the complexity of their sensory experiences.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, sporting, or professional advice. Spearfishing involves inherent risks, and the regulatory information presented herein may not be current or complete. Before engaging in spearfishing or relying on any information from this blog, readers should verify the applicable local laws and safety regulations and consult with appropriate professionals as needed. Under no circumstances will the blog author or publisher be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or other damages arising from any reliance on the content provided.

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Diving headfirst into the world of spearfishing, I have a simple mission: From Zero to Hero. And I'm here to share that journey with you. SPEARZEN is for all the noob spearos out there. Catching fish is fun. But I believe the journey is as valuable as the catch itself. From sustainability to skill mastery. Join me as we explore the depths, face challenges, and celebrate the spirit of spearfishing.

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