What is cyanide fishing?

Cyanide fishing is a destructive and illegal fishing practice that utilizes cyanide or other toxic chemicals to stun or kill fish, making them easier to collect. The cyanide paralyzes the fish, causing them to float up to the water's surface, at which point the fishermen can quickly gather them. Often used with scuba diving or snorkeling equipment for more efficient underwater targeting, this harmful technique causes severe damage to marine ecosystems and poses significant health risks to both humans and aquatic life.

Cyanide fishing is particularly common in Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, Indonesia, and Vietnam, contributing to the decimation of various coral reef fisheries, impacting food security, livelihoods, and ecological stability within these nations.