Why You Should Eat Sustainable Fish

By Sarah Cole


Fish is a delicacy enjoyed all over the world due to the rich source of nutrients such as proteins. The demand for sea food has been on the rise in a bid to cater for the ever growing human population. To meet the dietary need of the rising population, fishing methods that catch large quantities have been prioritized. This article is meant to inform people why they should only eat sustainable fish that are in plenty of supply and avoid endangered species.

Much of fish available from our markets or food stalls are mainly sourced from the ocean. Our oceans and seas have an abundance of fish resources. However, not all species of fish are doing well as some are on the brink of extinction. The changing climate and damaging fishing methods are the main contributors for this sorry situation. As a result, it is important for fishers to distinguish the endangered from the abundant.

The sustainable seafood movement first began in the late twentieth century where fisheries observed that certain species of fishes were dwindling in numbers. In a bid to counter this problem, some regulations governing the methods of fishing have been enacted to limit damaging fishing techniques. With these policies in place, ocean and freshwater ecosystems can replenish in time to evade extinction.

It is necessary that consumers understand the need to protect these reserves to avoid having to cross fishes off the menu in future. Fish harvesters are now receiving guidance on the appropriate ways of harvesting fishes. Practices such as trawling, gill netting and seining are highly discouraged. Failure to comply with the relevant law will result in a penalty and a revocation of the license.

Many stakeholders are now rearing fishes in private firms to supplement the high demand for this source of protein. In these aquariums, the species are fed every day and kept in favorable conditions that allow them to breed faster. This practice goes a long way in protecting reserves of species such as tuna, cod, and salmon that have been overfished in oceans and seas.

Another popular way of creating awareness is through sustainability ratings. This is where all the varieties of fishes are given a rating which acts a gauge to how well they are doing in the world. Green is a sign of abundance while red is a symbol of vulnerability. Eco labeling leads to consumers making better decisions by easily identifying sustainable seafood.

As a consumer, you can also take it upon yourself to ensure you shop for the right product. Only buy our products from licensed fishes vendors who understand the need for conservation of fishes reserves. Take the initiative to download a comprehensive fishes guide from any marine society. This is important because it enables you to make informed decisions.

Fishes vendors are advised not to stock vulnerable fishes species on their stalls. Selling undersized marine products that are yet to reach maturity and reproductive age is illegal. Vendors should properly label their products. Where wild fishes are on sale, the label should indicate whether the seafood is responsibly harvested.




About the Author:



0 commentaires:

Enregistrer un commentaire