Why You Should Eat Sustainable Fish

By Sarah Cole


Protein is an essential nutrient that contributes to a healthy lifestyle of any human being. Many nutritionists advise individuals to include fish regularly in their menu due to its high protein content. However, the demand for the commodity has led to the near extinction of former abundant fish reserves. By going through this piece, you get to understand why it is advisable to eat sustainable fish and how to identify them.

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.

Each technique of harvesting poses its challenges to the survival of fishes. Techniques such as gill netting used to catch species such as salmon, sardine as cod is very destructive since the fishes get entangled and cannot move. Trawling and seining which catch large quantities of the commodity are detrimental since they lead to decline in fishes population at sea.

An emerging trend in fishes harvesting is commercial fishes rearing. This is where species that are in high demand are kept in private ponds where they are regularly fed and sold upon reaching maturity. This practice contributes to a lot of achievements in the conservation exercise. Fishes farmers can now supplement the dietary needs of consumers without posing a threat to the natural ecosystem.

Numerous marine ecosystem groups are creating awareness to the public on the why they should prioritize feeding on sustainable products. A good way has been to assign sustainability ratings to as many species as possible. A high score could mean the resource is abundant while lower ratings should be avoided. This move has gone a long way in creating a more informed consumer population.

When going about your shopping, there are a few things you need to have in mind to boost your knowledge on sustainable marine products. A common fishes buying tip is to shun purchasing from overfished stocks. Prioritize fishes caught through environmentally friendly techniques that limit damage to the ocean bed. Consider sourcing your products from private ponds. Check all labels to ensure you are not purchasing vulnerable species.

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.




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