Tristan da Cunha: The most remote inhabited island is racing to protect its seas – and only source of income. At 05:00 local time, the clang of a hammer on an old oxygen gas cylinder signals the start of a fishing day on Tristan da Cunha, a UK Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic Ocean, home to just over 200 people. Beyond its borders, the nearest inhabited settlement is more than 2,400km away.
According to BBC, the island’s fishermen work in one of the world’s largest marine protected zones, covering 687,000 sq km, where commercial fishing is banned in 91% of its waters. Strict regulations are in place in the remaining zones, including quotas and size limits, with satellite surveillance to deter illegal activity. The spiny lobsters are vital to the local economy and ecosystem, navigating the seabed and maintaining the balance underwater.
Fishing has deep roots in Tristan’s culture. Jason Green and Dean Repetto, along with apprentice Tristan Glass, embody this legacy as they navigate the waters in their boat, Island Pride. The community relies on the ocean’s bounty, but climate change and industrial fishing pose threats to this fragile existence.
In the past, Tristanians could catch lobsters in abundance, but overfishing led to regulations being enforced in the 1980s and 1990s. The community’s commitment to conservation was further demonstrated by the establishment of the marine protected zone in 2019, designed with local input to balance preservation with economic needs.
Tristan’s isolation presents challenges in enforcing these protections. The island lacks a dedicated patrol vessel or coast guard, relying on satellite tracking and international networks. Despite these hurdles, compliance within the marine protected zone remains high, with a significant reduction in vessel traffic since its establishment.
Cultural rituals, such as the Sea Sunday service, highlight the integral role of fishing in Tristanian life. As the community prays for a successful lobster season, the islanders remain steadfast in their commitment to safeguarding their unique marine environment, knowing their survival depends on it.