When it comes to bottom trawling, misconceptions abound. From claims that bottom trawling can never be sustainable, to fears that it turns the seabed into a lifeless desert, bottom trawling has long been the subject of intense debate and misinformation.
But what does the science actually say?
SADSTIA’s latest video cuts through the noise to examine the real facts about trawling for hake in South Africa. Drawing on over a century of fishing history, rigorous scientific monitoring and internationally recognised certification standards, the video challenges three persistent myths that continue to shape public perception of this vital industry.
What you’ll discover:
- Why South Africa’s 125-year-old trawl fishery defies the common belief that bottom trawling is inherently unsustainable.
- How different seabed types and marine communities respond to trawling – and why blanket statements don’t tell the whole story.
- The truth about bycatch and waste in MSC-certified hake fisheries.
Watch now to discover what the science reveals about trawling in South African waters
The video was produced in partnership with the Marine Stewardship Council, the world’s most widely recognised sustainability certification programme for wild-caught seafood. The MSC has certified the South African trawl fishery for hake since 2004. SADSTIA is currently pursuing a fifth MSC certification for the fishery.
