Is Spearfishing Ethical? (Really)
Learn to Spearfish Sustainably
This may seem a little controversial coming from passionate marine lovers and fish admirers. But let’s take a moment to talk about spearfishing; the underwater hunt that’s often criticized and as I’ve come to realise, quite misunderstood.
Contrary to popular belief, spearfishing is more than a reckless pursuit of adrenaline—when done correctly! I personally can’t recall the last time seafood touched my tongue however, I now recognise and appreciate that this is more than a sport. It’s a blend of discipline and apnea mastery rooted in a serious respect for the ocean. And it’s arguably the most ethical and intentional way to put seafood on a plate.
But don’t take my word for it; we’ve hauled in the experts to break it all down and answer the ultimate question, is spearfishing ethical? The guys at Aquatic Apes are all about the spearo life and this sustainable approach to fishing. Not to toot any horns, but they’re kind of a big deal in the underwater world with millions of loyal YouTube subs.
Seafood Consumption Crisis
181 million tonnes! This is the projected annual global seafood consumption by 2030. To put it into perspective, 100 tonnes is the equivalent to one blue whale or a Boeing 757.
Believe it or not, aquatic foods are consumed more than chicken, pork, beef, and sheep. With seafood products being the largest traded food commodity worldwide.
And while 85% of marine fish stocks are either fully exploited or overfished, nearly 15% goes to waste with many fisheries discarding more than they keep.
Spearfishing vs. Fishing (In All Other Forms)
When you consider the ludicrous global seafood demand and the commercial fishing methods used to meet these—it all reeks of oceanic disaster on a tragic scale. Overfishing? Check. Bycatch? Check. Ocean floor destruction? Double check. Trawlers don’t discriminate, scooping up everything from sea turtles to dugongs and their grandmothers. But spearfishing? It really is a different story.
- Zero Bycatch – You intentionally select your targets. No nets, no waste, no “oops, we mangled another family of dolphins.”
- Sustainability on Point – You only take what you need, which means fish populations stay healthy and thriving.
- No Environmental Damage – No nets tearing up coral reefs, no longlines hooking the eyeballs of unintended manta rays.
- Ultimate Skill Test – If you want dinner, you have to earn it. It’s that simple.
- Fish get a Fair Chance – Fish can spot a spearo way before the spearo spots them!
Let’s compare, shall we…?
Before heading out on a spearfishing trip, you’re greeted by experts who teach you the ways of the local marine life and waters. You warm up with target practice in the pool. Now you’re focused and ready. You cruise out to the best dive site, take your final breath, and sink below the surface with ease. The hunt is on.
You’re scanning bluewaters for that perfect catch. Cautious of your every move and careful not to disturb the world around you. Then you spot it, the one. Your dive buddy gives you the nod. You aim with precision, squeeze the trigger, and it’s yours. This my friends, is the spearfishing difference.
Learn to Spearfish Sustainably
Spearfishing Courses
Learning to ethically select your target is a key element of a spearfishing course. You’ll be trained to identify suitable species and only take what you need—because being a responsible hunter means thinking beyond the thrill of the catch. A little training goes a long way for our fish populations and for your skillset. You’ll spend time doing target practice in a pool to simulate diving with a speargun, learning to reload, and becoming familiar with the feel of shooting. You’ll also work on controlling your body underwater so you don’t bump and kick the reef, causing irreversible damage. With all these skills, when that 8ft Wahoo swims right up to your face, you’ll be more than ready.
Freediving Courses
Want to comfortably hang out at depth? Ergo, increase your chances of the best catch?! A freediving course is your secret weapon. Mastering breath-holds and relaxation will dramatically improve your bottom time, giving you the extra edge when it comes to landing that dream fish. While also providing all the safety training and protocols to equip you and your dive buddies. Bonus—it’s super fun!
Spearfishing Charters
After a day in the water, there’s nothing better than reliving the highlights with your fellow spearos over self-caught, fresh, and perfectly prepared meals. And waking up to do it all again the next day! There’s a huge variety of spearfishing charters suitable for all levels, from half-day trips to week-long expeditions and beyond. Each day, you’ll explore different dive sites with different species, receive expert guidance, and experience infinite opportunities to land all the best catches.
Best Spearfishing Spots
Now that we’ve established how to be the best spearfisher, let’s talk about where to spearfish.
Some of the best spearfishing destinations include: Bali and remote Indonesia, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia as well as Fiji, Hawaii and Norway.
But our top pick is Bali, baby! This island paradise isn’t just about surf breaks and smoothie bowls—it’s an epic freediving and spearfishing destination. Bali spearfishing offers tropical climates and ideal water conditions. It’s also the perfect starting point before chasing larger species all around Indonesia.
Uluwatu, specifically, is the perfect year-round destination that draws in a vibrant global community. Beyond being a laid-back paradise of cool peeps, endless cafes, gyms, beach clubs (and the list goes on), the diversity of marine life is seriously hard to beat. Some of the locals here include Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, Wahoo, Marlin, Triple Tail, Bonito, Sailfish and Amberjacks. We’re talking about the VIP’s of spearfishing up to 150kg (330lb).
Dive into Spearfishing
Never tried spearfishing before? No worries. We’ve got you covered with expert guides, the best spearfishing spots, and all the know-how required to start spearing like a pro—the ethical way.
The question is, are you ready to go full Aquatic Ape?
