Fish Wars

Broadcast on the National Geographic Channel, filmmaker Frank Smith's documentary focuses on the impact that overfishing and environmental degradation have had on the “coral triangle”—the region of the Asian South Pacific encompassing the waters off Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. The triangle is home to three-quarters of all known coral species in the world and more than 6,000 species of marine life in all. But the world's ravenous appetite for fish (coupled with destructive fishing methods) has radically reduced numbers, while climate change has led to widespread bleaching of the reefs and a severe decline in coral cover, ultimately threatening the region's ecosystem. Footage of fish markets where decreasing catches—often dominated by still immature fish—are a common sight testifies to the extent of the problem. Fish Wars argues that the solution must be two-fold, consisting of both enforcement and restoration. The camera follows patrol boats as they track down vessels from other countries that are operating illegally in the area (and arrest their crews), while also capturing the progress of a reef rejuvenation program undertaken by the World Wildlife Fund that has established what amounts to an underwater preserve. This successful project has replenished the coral cover, providing food for the schools of small fish that are, in turn, eaten by the tuna that are a major component of the local fishing industry on which so many families depend for their livelihood. Fish Wars offers a compelling look at an environmental issue that carries serious ramifications, not just for South Asia but also the entire world. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)