The old expression, there are plenty of fish in the sea, may not be appropriate anymore as many sea creatures are declining in population. Poor management of fisheries and an increase in the world’s population have led to a decline in the number of certain fish species. Ocean fish are hunted on a large scale and despite the massive size and depth of the ocean; the population of wild fish has been declining for the last 15 years. Overfishing, illegal and unregulated fishing, habitat damage, bycatch (accidentally catching unwanted species) and poor management have all lead to a steady decline in certain populations of fish. According to Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, nearly two-thirds of the assessed fish populations are unhealthy and they believe that the unassessed population is in worse condition. Many new species such as the Atlantic halibut, Bluefin tuna and yellowfin flounder have all been added to the list of dangerously low populations.
Large scale commercial fishing began in the 1800’s and has made a major impact on the population of fish. Currently 85% of the world’s fisheries are exploited or have collapsed and the demand for fish continues to rise. Fish are removed from the ocean quicker than they can reproduce and larger fish that have a long life span are the first to become extinct because they are slower to reproduce.
The decreasing amount of fish also makes it harder for fisherman to make a living as they become more desperate to catch fish it can lead to illegal fishing practices. There are currently over 2.5 times the amounts of sustainable fishing boats on the ocean, all chasing after a decreasing amount of marine wildlife. Common areas of concern include catching fish that are undersize, operating out of season, using illegal equipment and taking more than is allowed.
Another concern is the health of the fish that are sold. Some fish are known to be high in mercury and other contaminants. Oil spills and radiation exposure have also made us more aware that we need to protect our oceans and choose fish sustainably so we can ensure the future of precious marine life. By making mindful choices as consumers we can do our part to help. Generally fish that are smaller will contain less mercury than larger predatory types. Fish that reproduce quickly are also better options, as their species can quickly repopulate. It is also important to know where your fish comes from and it was caught. Fisherman who pole or troll fish are considered to be the most sustainable.
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch produces an annual pocket guide that can be used to help you determine the best choices for you depending on the region you are in and are downloaded at the following link:
http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.aspx
Some fish that are sustainable for those located on both the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the United States include Arctic Char (farmed), Barramundi (US farmed), Catfish (US farmed), Clams (farmed), Crab: Dungeness, Stone, Halibut: Pacific (US), Salmon (Alaska wild), Scallops (farmed), Striped Bass (farmed & wild*), Tilapia (US farmed), Trout: Rainbow (US farmed), Tuna: Albacore (Canada & US Pacific, troll/pole).
References
Monterey Bay Aquarium (n.d.). Seafood Watch Program. Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch. Retrieved April 6, 2012, from http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/seafoodwatch.aspx
