No limits?
Ever stand on the beach, look out into the ocean, and marvel at the infinite horizon? Just because you can’t see the end of the ocean, does not mean that there is an endless supply of marine life and fish in it!
In fact, there is a very finite limit of fish in the ocean…mostly because of overfishing. Humans have been fishing for centuries. In the last five decades, however, technology has improved. We can now fish deeper, farther, in larger quantities and more often. Marine life is struggling to compete with this technology. Scientists estimate that 90 percent of large predatory fish like shark, swordfish and cod have been removed from our oceans!
Wholesale fish and seafood market in Tsukiji
How did our oceans become so depleted?
- Overfishing: This is the basic reason our oceans are experiencing a shortage. When fisheries use this technology unsustainably, they remove fish at such a rapid pace that fish populations have no chance to recover and reproduce. Basically, fish populations cannot keep up with modern, industrial-scale and unsustainable fishing practices.
- Habitat Damage: Some modern, industrial fishing gear like large nets or trawls that drag along the seafloor damage habitats. Fish don’t just need the water to survive – they need habitats to survive and reproduce. Damage from trawling is equivalent to clearing a forest!
- Bycatch: Often, large nets are cast into the water and unwanted fish and other animals get caught in the net. These are cast back into the ocean often injured or dying.
- Illegal fishing: Illegal, unregulated fishing accounts for much of the global catch. When not monitored, many fisheries will violate regulations and overfish
- Regulation: More groups are advocating for increased sustainable fishing practices and more monitoring.
What can you do? You can still eat seafood! Read on about how you can do it sustainably…
- Help spread the word to many who believe that the ocean supplies a limitless supply of our favorite seafood!
- Be aware of which fish populations are close to extinction, and try to curb consumption of those fish.
- Always buy your seafood from sustainable fisheries. Support those fisheries, and vote with your fork! Choosing from a sustainable source shows your support of the oceans’ health.
“Hungry” to know more? Sites Earth Fare visited for this post:
(1) Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program
(2) South Carolina Aquarium Sustainable Seafood Initiative
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Hello. I love what you guys stand for and are doing! I also love the oceans and want to help!
although, my passion is with sea turtles, and I want a healthy place for them to live. For us, too! Do you guys have a store opening in Huntsville, AL?
Yes! We do have a store opening in Huntsville, AL! Stay tuned for more details! We’ll be coming in May.
Hello. I love what you guys stand for and are doing! I also love the oceans and want to help!
although, my passion is with sea turtles, and I want a healthy place for them to live. For us, too! Do you guys have a store opening in Huntsville, AL?
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
Yes! We do have a store opening in Huntsville, AL! Stay tuned for more details! We’ll be coming in May.
This is great that Earth Fare is promoting sustainable seafood- but is the chain promising to only sell (or at least identify) sustainably caught fish? I just went shopping in your Columbia SC store and they had frozen Yellowfin tuna from Indonesia for sale, which is on the “Avoid” list.