Why do long drift nets endanger dolphins and sea turtles in the Mediterranean Sea?

Long drift nets endanger dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine life in the Mediterranean Sea because they are non-discriminatory, large-scale fishing tools that capture virtually everything in their path.12

These nets, which can extend up to 15 miles (24 km) in length and reach 40 feet (12 meters) into the water, act as massive, indiscriminate barriers. Because they do not target specific species, they frequently result in bycatch—the unintentional capture of non-commercial animals. When dolphins, sea turtles, and other marine mammals become entangled in these nets, they often suffer physical trauma or drown before they can be released.12

The use of such extensive drift nets is a significant concern for marine conservation, as they contribute to the depletion of local stocks and threaten various species, including the endangered Mediterranean monk seal, with extinction. While international regulations, such as those supported by the United Nations and the European Union, have sought to limit the length of these nets to reduce such ecological damage, their continued use remains a critical threat to the biodiversity of the region.123