Oceana | Protecting the World's Oceans

Author: Keith Ellenbogen
Date: June 22, 2008

As sure as the sun would rise, in the morning with Mediterranean Sea as smooth as glass — the purseiner fishing fleets were busy catching and caging the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna. Within 100 meters of the activity Patricia Lastra, tuna scientist as well as Gorka Leclercq, underwater videographer documented the purseiners using fishing nets. With an estimated 10,000 Atlantic Bluefin Tuna caught every day the size of these nets and cages are massive.

Author: Keith Ellenbogen
Date: June 16, 2008

As of June 16, 2008 the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus Thynnus) fishing season has been officially closed in the Mediterranean by the European Commission due to non-compliance by member states within the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Recovery Plan.

Read the European Commission Press Release

Author: Keith Ellenbogen
Date: June 9, 2008

One hundred nautical miles from Malta, last night we anchored in calm waters adjacent Isla Pantelleria. This defining features of the island are beautiful steep vertical cliffs and a strong angular landscape.

With a half moon visible in the clear skies, expedition leader Xavier Pastor asked the dive team to prepare our equipment for a morning dive. More to follow….

Author: Keith Ellenbogen
Date: June 7, 2008

Early this morning with grayish blue skies predominant wind changed direction and is now blowing from the North. With the force of the winds the sea condition changed from calm to moderate/rough. Now swelling with some force (5 -8 ft), the sea swayed the boat, the people and all the equipment from side to side. Starting to get our sea legs each of us found ways of suppressing the feeling of the swaying seas.