The Sustainable Seafood Problem

Many in the public welcome sustainable farming.  Through sustainable farming, they can obtain their favorite foods without harm to the environment. 

Yet, the same cannot be said when it comes to the seafood industry.  With that, there is what is known as a sustainable seafood problem. 

How can there actually be a sustainable seafood problem?  It’s simple.  Basically, sustainable fishing, despite being helpful ecologically, often brings undesirable seafood to people’s plates.

Confused?  Well, first take into account the definition of sustainable fishing, which is basically taking measures to prevent overfishing and bycatching, (which is the process of accidentally catching marine animals that weren’t meant to be included in the overall catch). 

Why?  Well, often times the fish that are chosen for sustainable fishing tend to not be what people are buying.  This creates the sustainable seafood problem.

So, what can be done to help address the sustainable seafood problem?  Well, there are a few restaurants that are helping by only serving sustainable fish. 

But otherwise, things are going to have to be done on a more individual level.  Consumers are going to have to support fisheries that are known for their sustainable seafood. 

And even more importantly, they’re going to have to sacrifice eating seafood that is unsustainable. 
What happens if nothing is done when it comes to the sustainable seafood problem? 

The answer is simple… a lot.  Firstly, there’s the obvious problems of certain species of marine life going extinct due to overfishing and bycatching. 

The rest that stay alive will be at risk of dying, due to habitat damage. 

Next, there’s the issue of fish farming, a practice that can be unsustainable.  Fishers raise certain species of fish, (such as salmon), in small lakes. 

Hundreds of them are placed into the water, resulting in a situation of overcrowding.  Consequently, disease develops… disease that could affect you if you consume the fish. 

This is if the fish stay in the fish farm.  If they escape into regular waters, they may infect wild fish, who will spread the disease onto other marine wildlife.

Of course, don’t think that fish farming has to always be like this.  In fact, it can actually be a solution to the sustainable fish problem if it is done properly. 

This means that the fisher would raise a normal number of fish in an appropriate amount of water.  They would also do what is necessary to make sure the fish stay healthy and disease-free.

In conclusion, don’t add to the sustainable seafood problem.  Consume fish and other types of seafood from companies that practice sustainable fishing. 

Yes, you might not be able to eat your favorite species, but you would be saving the habitat with your decision.  Besides, it’s not like sustainable seafood isn’t as tasty as its non-sustainable counterparts.