“People care about the ocean in different ways. The fact that you consume fish certainly does not equate to not caring.”
A lot of people have talked to me about the new Netflix documentary ''Seaspiracy''. Although I'm glad it gets more people caring and talking about the oceans and what we can do to help, I also don't think eliminating fish from our diets is the solution.
I believe that being all ''doom and gloom'' and guilting people into doing something is not the way to inspire change in behaviors. I believe that a little hope, realistic advice and encouraging people to explore, learn about and protect our oceans is a more effective way to go about it.
Take a look at the full statement issued by Oceana on the subject, “We believe people have the right to choose what they eat, and we applaud those who make personal choices to improve the health of our planet. However, choosing to abstain from consuming seafood is not a realistic choice for the hundreds of millions of people around the world who depend on coastal fisheries – many of whom are also facing poverty, hunger, and malnutrition.''
You can also check out Oceana's FAQ on the subject asked by ocean activists in response to the Netflix movie Seaspiracy.
I'm sure there are many more but here are other resources on the subject:
"SEASPIRACY" & ANTI-INTELLECTUALISM IN THE MODERN AGE
A sustainable ocean economy, where protection, production and prosperity go hand in hand can create a healthy ocean and healthy communities that can effectively respond to these global challenges. Despite Seaspiracy’s assertions, there are “industrial” methods of fishing that have little ecosystem impacts and sustainably supply much the needed demand. We have seen meaningful gains in the supply of sustainable over conventional seafood in relatively short periods of time. This work has been accomplished through collaborative efforts between activists, non-profits, industry, regulators, philanthropists, and intergovernmental cooperation. It is true that we have some distance to go. However, Seaspiracy gives no credit to the work that has been done and the real potential for even better outcomes moving forward. Afterall, it is so much easier to invent conspiracies, holler into echo chambers and finance one sided sensationalist media and call it a “documentary” than to actually get down to the business of the hard work associated with improving our oceans. Such work involves balancing ecological and human needs.
“Don’t eat fish” is an oversimplification predicated on ignorance, naivete and/or a willful attempt to mislead with potentially perverse incentives.