Fisheries Crime
Our ocean ecosystems are under threat
The trafficking of vulnerable marine species is transnational and complex, often converging with a wide range of other crimes, from fraud and corruption to human trafficking. Marine species are particularly vulnerable to organised crime. It is a multi-billion-dollar illegal business, amounting to USD 10 – 23.5 billion per year. Transnational organised criminal networks are preying on endangered species, hampering efforts to establish sustainable fisheries, and seriously impacting ocean health and global resources.
These crimes exacerbate climate change, cause biodiversity loss, and deprive coastal fishing communities of livelihoods and food sources.
Removing species from their environment upsets the delicate balance of ocean ecosystems. From apex predators to sea cucumbers to kelp, all marine life plays a role in maintaining healthy oceans.
Vulnerable species focus
The challenges facing our marine species are huge, with many threats demanding urgent action. At the moment, the Wildlife Justice Commission is focusing on specific species where we have the potential to make the greatest impact.
Sharks
Sharks are apex predators, playing a vital role in regulating the ocean ecosystem. These “doctors of the sea” maintain ocean health by preying on sick or injured animals, keeping the spread of disease at bay. Even kelp forests – vital carbon sinks – rely on sharks to keep grazers like sea turtles and dugongs in check.
However, sharks are hunted relentlessly for their meat and fins, and are under ever-increasing pressure. It is estimated that 100 million sharks are killed by humans every year, often for the shark fin trade. Of the 11 species preferred for shark fin soup, eight are either endangered or critically endangered.
Sea cucumbers
Sea cucumbers are small but mighty players in the marine ecosystem. They are vital for healthy coral reefs, and they help to slow ocean acidification, an effect of climate change.
There are currently 16 species of sea cucumber that are threatened with extinction, impacting ocean health and the livelihoods of coastal communities. They are in high demand in China and South Asian countries as a delicacy and aphrodisiac, and in the West for their pharmaceutical potential. Such a valuable commodity inevitably attracts criminal networks, who often launder illegally harvested sea cucumbers through the legal market.
Seahorses
Seahorses, marine creatures known for their monogamous bonds and rare male pregnancies, play an important role in coastal ecosystems by preying on small crustaceans and serving as indicators of habitat health. Although not directly targeted by most commercial fisheries, around 70 million are caught annually as by-catch—primarily through destructive bottom trawling. This indiscriminate method creates a steady, unregulated supply that fuels demand in traditional medicine, particularly across Asia.
Dried seahorses are sold whole or ground into powders for traditional medicine, tonics, wine, and collectibles. Despite all 46 species being protected under CITES Appendix II, illegal trade thrives, with a recent study revealing that 95% of Hong Kong’s seahorse trade is illegal. Enforcement is hampered by the covert nature of by-catch, poor traceability, and weak oversight.
How we fight the trafficking of marine species
The Wildlife Justice Commission works to disrupt wildlife, fisheries, and timber crime, dismantle criminal networks, encourage the growth of political will to combat these problems, and build tomorrow’s sustainable solutions. To protect vulnerable species from exploitation, we:
- conduct intelligence-led investigations
- bridge the intelligence gap with intelligence analysis
- share intelligence and investigative findings with governments and stakeholders
- build sustainable solutions through training and mentoring
- urge governments to act
Donations made to the Wildlife Justice Commission are tax-deductible under Dutch law, as we have ANBI status. EU citizens can also make their contributions tax-deductible. See our Donate section for more details on how you can help us to fight transnational organised wildlife crime. Donating from the USA? Click here.
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Advocating for intelligence-led approaches and enhanced cooperation to combat crimes in the fisheries sector
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