Over fishing is a significant threat to our oceans. The practice is called “vicious” or “unmanaged” fishing because it can quickly deplete fish populations. It happens when humans catch more fish from the ocean than those fish can reproduce in a given period. The result is that there are not enough fish left to breed, and the population declines over time.
Over-fishing has been recognized as a global problem since the 1980s, but its effects continue to worsen. Recognizing these dangers of over-fishing and understanding their implications is one of the most important things we can do as conscientious consumers. By learning about over-fishing and identifying its warning signs, you can help protect bluefin tuna, cod, salmon, and other threatened species while making informed decisions about which kinds of seafood you buy and eat.
What to know about Sustainably Sourced Fish
Sustainably Sourced Fish is a label that indicates that the fish was caught in a way that does not diminish the population of that species. This can be done by catching fish during their spawning season, when they are more likely to reproduce, or by fishing at times when there are not as many fish in the ocean. Sustainably Sourced Fish may also be labeled with a blue or green color to indicate that it is from a sustainable source.
Sustainable Fish Don’t Jeopardize the Environment
While many fish are caught sustainably, many are not. For example, bluefin tuna is fished in a way that threatens the population of this species. The tuna is caught at the end of its spawning season when it is more likely to reproduce. This means that there are fewer and fewer fish to breed due to overfishing. Sustainably sourced fish avoid this problem because they are caught during their spawning season or by fishing when there are not as many fish in the ocean as before.
Sustainable Fish Tend to be Healthier
Sustainably sourced fish tend to be more nutritious than their non-sustainable counterparts. This is because the fishing is done in a way that does not harm the environment and therefore does not harm the fish. When fishing is managed, the fish population is left alone to reproduce and feed on their own. This means fewer pollutants in the water, making for healthier fish and humans alike.
Sustainable Fish Don’t Hurt Other Species
Sustainable fish is caught or raised using methods that ensure they do not harm other species. For example, fish like cod are fished in a way that does not harm other marine life, such as whales. This is because the fish are caught during their spawning season and not when they are most vulnerable to predators. Sustainably sourced fish tend to be raised in a way that has less impact on the environment than non-sustainable sources.
Sustainable Fish Do Not Harm Human Beings
Sustainably sourced fish are less likely to contain pollutants or toxins. This is because they are caught by fishing methods that do not harm the environment and human beings. When caught sustainably, the fish population is left alone to reproduce and feed on their own, which means fewer pollutants in the water. This means that the fish is healthier, and humans are more beneficial.
Sustainable Fish Are Available All Year Round
Sustainable fish is caught or raised in a way that does not harm the environment or human beings. It means that fish are available all year round and in various sizes, from tiny to huge. Sustainably sourced fish tend to be caught during their spawning season when it is more likely for the fish to reproduce. This means there are fewer fish because it is only during this time of year that they are most vulnerable to predators.
Sustainability is a hot topic when it comes to food. And for a good reason. The fishing industry has been heavily over-exploiting our oceans for decades, leaving many fish stocks at risk of collapse. In response, there has been an increase in consumers interested in knowing where their seafood comes from and how it’s sourced. Sustainable seafood has become so important that it’s now a requirement for all fish sold in the United States.
