The sustainable management of fisheries is critical to the long-term survival of our oceans. Over the past five decades, marine ecosystems around the world have
been exploited at an alarming rate. Many fish populations that were once plentiful such as
Chilean seabass,
Atlantic flounder and
cod are now in sharp decline as a result of overfishing.
Techniques used to catch or farm some species can also be problematic. One example is "bycatch," the accidental capture of sea turtles, sea birds and marine mammals associated with the use of large fishing nets and longlines. Another is poor aquaculture practices that destroy and pollute habitat as in the case of many international shrimp farms. Some fish are also likely to contain small amounts of mercury and therefore should not be consumed in large quantities.
The
Seafood Watch card is an excellent guide in making sustainable seafood choices that are good for wildlife, the environment and you.
Download the card and keep it with you when going to the grocery store or dining out.
For more information on the issues affecting our oceans, efforts to find solutions and more ways you can help, visit
www.seafoodwatch.org.