Ocean Issues
The oceans supply us with food, help regulate our climate, and supply a livelihood for millions of people. Just as important, we depend on the oceans for recreation and renewal. But our seas are not the infinite bounty they appear to be. Today, no part of the oceans remain unaffected by human activities. And among the many factors influencing our ocean ecosystems, none has a greater impact than fishing.
Humans have been fishing the oceans for thousands of years. But over the past five decades technology has allowed us to fish farther, deeper and more efficiently than ever before. Scientists estimate that we have removed as much as 90 percent of the large predatory fish such as shark, swordfish and cod from the world's oceans. In 2003, the Pew Oceans Commission warned that the world's oceans are in a state of "silent collapse," threatening our food supply, marine economies, recreation and the natural legacy we leave our children.
Through better practices, we can create healthy, abundant oceans for everyone. Seafood Watch, a program of the Monterey Bay Aquarium, has always been about making this vision a reality. Working with consumers, fishermen, restaurants, retailers and suppliers, we've been making a difference since 1999. - Source Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program
Check out the Seafood Watch website http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/default.aspx?c=dd
Even better....download the app to make sure you are prepared to make good choices next time it's Sushi night!
Pocket Fish Guide
Using this information, answer the following questions:
- How many people in your household eat fish?
- If someone in your household purchases fish, where are they most likely to buy it?
- Supermarket (name if known)
- Fishmonger or other small supplier
- Restaurant or takeaway
- How often do people in your household consume the following:
- Fresh fish (from a fish counter)
- Frozen fish
- Tinned, pickled or preserved (e.g. smoked) fish
- Does anyone in your household eat fish from a restaurant or takeaway? If so, are they able to find out where the fish comes from/how it was caught?
- How many people in your household would you say are aware of over-fishing or of sustainable fishing?
- How many people in your household would know what symbols to look for if they wanted to buy sustainable seafood?
- Most importantly, what information would encourage shoppers to buy more sustainably?
