A new investigation reveals that seamounts near Chile’s Juan Fernández Archipelago remain ecologically damaged decades after bottom trawling stopped, highlighting the long-term impacts of destructive fishing practices on unique marine habitats.
- Bottom trawling scars persist 25 years after fishing ended.
- Seamounts show reduced coral, biodiversity, and increased sea urchins.
- Nearby untrawled seamount remains healthy, sustaining rich marine life.
What happened
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, fishers used bottom trawling techniques on seamounts near Chile’s Juan Fernández Archipelago to catch deep-sea fish like orange roughy and alfonsino. This method involves dragging heavy nets along the seafloor, which causes extensive physical damage. After fish stocks declined and fisheries collapsed, bottom trawling ceased by the mid-2000s and was permanently banned on all Chilean seamounts in 2015.
Scientists from Chile and the U.S. surveyed four seamounts in 2024 using remotely operated vehicles aboard the R/V Falkor research vessel. They found clear evidence of long-lasting damage on three Juan Fernández seamounts where trawling occurred—such as reduced coral cover and complex habitats. By contrast, the nearby Solito Seamount, where bottom trawling had never taken place, showed no signs of degradation and supported thriving coral and sponge communities.
Why it feels good
This research highlights the importance of marine conservation efforts like Chile’s ban on bottom trawling, demonstrating positive examples where protections allow ecosystems to remain intact. The healthy state of Solito Seamount serves as a hopeful benchmark for what marine habitats can look like when left undisturbed.
Understanding these long-term impacts encourages more awareness and support for sustainable fishing practices worldwide. It also advances scientific knowledge on how certain destructive methods shape seafloor ecosystems, providing vital insights for future restoration projects and policy decisions aimed at preserving marine biodiversity.
What to enjoy or watch next
Future studies could track recovery timelines of damaged seamount ecosystems and explore ways to mitigate the dominance of species like sea urchins that may inhibit coral regrowth after disturbances. Watching for new research on deep-sea habitats will offer critical clues on the resilience of these unique environments.
Nature enthusiasts and ocean lovers may also appreciate documentaries or programs featuring the vibrant marine life of Chile’s Juan Fernández Archipelago and similar seamount ecosystems, showcasing both their beauty and the challenges they face from human activities.