Illegal driftnets pose a major hazard to dolphins, whales, turtles, sharks and fish. Their use has been banned by the United Nations for over 20 years, yet an estimated 500 vessels continue to use them in the Mediterranean, killing thousands of cetaceans and endangering shark, turtle and fish species. The Black Fish uses innovative technology and investigation to expose and challenge this type of illegal fishing.

Follow our progress. Visit the campaign page

Bluefin tuna is the most expensive fish on earth. The critically endangered species is heavily overfished in the Mediterranean Sea and the ongoing fishing effort globally continues to push it further towards the brink of extinction. Join The Black Fish in its mission to combat the illegal trade in bluefin tuna and end the consumption of bluefin before they disappear forever.

Learn more about bluefin tuna. Go to the campaign page

A group of international animators affiliated with Amsterdam based animation studio Mister Lee have started working with The Black Fish on an ambitious new animation film project, bringing attention to the problems of overfishing and the need for urgent action to turn the tide for conservation. One of the things making the film project unique are the contributions from a large number of professional animators, all working for the cause entirely voluntary.

Explore the work. Read the article and follow the project blog

The Black Fish has launched a new conservation training programme, allowing individuals to gain specialist skills that can be utilized in marine conservation work. Certificates in diving, sailing and power boat driving can be obtained through a series of professional courses. The training programme will be expanded over the coming years to include other courses, on subjects such as marine engineering, fisheries enforcement, grassroots campaigning and marine mammal rescue.

Join the action. Go to the programme page to find out more

Throughout the year The Black Fish organises public events and speaking tours to raise awareness of the industrial overfishing of the oceans and to rally support for our conservation work. Events and speaking tours are held in different countries across Europe, with upcoming events planned to take place in Germany, Sweden, UK, Netherlands, Austria and Greece.

For more details, please see our tour page

The Black Fish has an active history of campaigning for the protection of ocean life. Explore our history of campaigning to end the captivity of marine mammels, taking action to challenge the cruel slaughter of dolphins and our efforts to assist at a controversial whale stranding. Read more..