A Fishy Story...

I would hope that most people are aware of the vast threats facing our world’s oceans, and it’s something that I’ve taken an interest in over recent years. If I was to ask you about sustainability of the sea, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Is it whales? Perhaps coral, sharks or global warming? Is there any chance that tuna was first on your list?

Fishing is a central livelihood and food security option to over 200 million people, especially for the developing world where one in five people across the globe depend on fish as their primary source of protein. But amid facts and figures about aquaculture's soaring worldwide production rates, other, more sobering, statistics reveal that global main marine fish stocks are in jeopardy, from increased overfishing and environmental degradation.

An example (there are many more) is the Southern Bluefin Tuna found in Southern Hemisphere open waters and listed as ‘critically endangered’ by the IUCN (World Conservation Union). Over ninety per cent of Southern Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus maccoyii) are caught near the Great Australian Bight, in South Australia, as juveniles. They are then farmed until they reach maturity, and sold to a dozen international markets, including Japan where the meat is prized for use as sashimi. Yes those sushi rolls many of us eat for lunch have actually played a key role in the decline of Southern Bluefin Tuna Species.  For more information on Southern Blue Fin Tuna and other marine information feel free to look at the Australian Marine Conservation Society site at http://www.amcs.org.au .

Southern Bluefin Tuna. Photo Courtesty of ABC Website

I recently watched a documentary that gives a great insight and perspective to the reality of overfishing on a global scale. I definitely recommend it to those passionate conservationists or even if you’re just curiously interested, it will grab you hook line and sinker!  The documentary is called End of The Line and you can view the trailer and access more information at www.endoftheline.com.

Here is some information courtesy of End of the Line Website. The film has three basic messages for consumers, citizens and companies to help with the situation:

·         Ask before you buy and only eat sustainable seafood.

·         Tell politicians and respect the science, cut the fishing fleet

·         Join campaigns for marine protected areas and responsible fishing

·         If you buy a fish in a shop or in restaurant, ask where it comes from; whether it is from a sustainable source, or is it an endangered or over-exploited species?

If you’re not sure there are useful guides to what fish you can buy with a (fairly) clear conscience. In UK one is produced by the Marine Conservation Society. You can find the guide on their website.

 

In the USA, the Monterey Bay Aquarium issues one. You can click through from here. www.SeafoodWatch.org

 And the Marine Stewardship Council runs a certification scheme for fish produced according to principles of sustainability, which you can find out about on the MSC website.

Thanks for reading and feel free to comment and discuss!

Best wishes and thanks,

Luke Purcell

Sources: Marine Conservation Society Australia, UN Website, End of the Line Website, World Wildlife Fund, www.abc.com.au