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16

Jan

Mile 201: Where exploitation thrives and marine life dies

Earlier in the race, on New Year's Eve, Boris Herrmann was sailing along the coast of Argentina after rounding Cape Horn and leaving the Pacific behind him just days before. After nearly a month in the Southern Ocean, with no other humans in sight, and with the final sprint up the Atlantic to Les Sables d’Olonne ahead of him before being reunited with “society,” Boris was surprised to discover a different kind of civilisation on the Ocean: hundreds of fishing vessels, equipped with miles and miles of nets, lines and search systems, turning the sea into an uneven battleground between marine life and the relentless pursuit of catch.

by Remy Johannsen

Many fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, do not specifically target a single species but indiscriminately catch a wide range of marine life. Here officials in the Pacific inspect illegal bycatch.

Many fishing practices, such as bottom trawling, do not specifically target a single species but indiscriminately catch a wide range of marine life. Here officials in the Pacific inspect illegal bycatch.

© Dan Collyns

On New Years Eve, Boris saw numerous boats sailing under asian flags off the coast of Argentina. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg: countless vessels turn off their AIS systems to go undetected.

On New Years Eve, Boris saw numerous boats sailing under asian flags off the coast of Argentina. However, this is just the tip of the iceberg: countless vessels turn off their AIS systems to go undetected.

© Boris Herrmann / Team Malizia

Squid Jiggers lure their prey to the surface with bright lights - ironically whilst often "going dark" on the AIS system.

Squid Jiggers lure their prey to the surface with bright lights - ironically whilst often "going dark" on the AIS system.

© Jorge de la Quintana

The Argentinian Navy watches as a vessel leaves the EEZ of Argentina and enders Mile 201.

The Argentinian Navy watches as a vessel leaves the EEZ of Argentina and enders Mile 201.

© Argentinian Navy

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