Fish Consumption and the Industry Behind It

The fishing industry’s practices have become increasingly unsustainable, resulting in the rapid destruction of our oceans. Overfishing, bycatch, and harmful fishing methods are rapidly bringing about the destruction of our world’s marine life. In this essay, we explore the question: Would stopping fish consumption solve the problems surrounding the fishing industry?

Unsustainable practices in fishing

80% of all life lives in our oceans (1). And we’re killing it. The latest analysis reveals that the fraction of world fish stocks that are within biologically sustainable levels declined from 90% in 1974 to 66.9% in 2015 (2). Fisheries are killing fish at rates so unsustainable that the population of fish worldwide is declining. According to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), about one-third of global fish stocks are currently overfished, and another 60% are being fished at their maximum sustainable level (3). We are witnessing the decline of one of the largest ecosystems on planet Earth.

According to data from the FAO, a staggering 40% of all marine life caught whilst fishing worldwide is discarded as bycatch (4) - a statistic that lays bare the devastating impact of commercial fishing practices on our oceans. The real-world application of this number was shown in an example from the Netflix documentary ‘Seaspiracy’. Within a mere month, the fishery in question hauled in 269 porpoises, 900 seals and 5,000 seabirds as collateral “losses,” a sacrifice whose magnitude can scarcely be emphasized enough. A scientific report estimated that industrial fishing had reduced the number of large ocean fish by 90% (5). That leaves just 10% of the fish’s pre-industrial population.

Issues don’t end at our unsustainable fishing practices; they continue to our waste disposal afterwards. According to a report by Greenpeace, abandoned fishing gear is, globally, the largest primary contributor to ocean pollution, constituting a colossal 10% of our total plastic waste (6). The discarded gear is often referred to as ‘Ghost gear’ due to their tendency to continue to trap and kill sea life as they float through the ocean. The ‘Ghost Gear’ report shows that a total of 44% of all fishing equipment used is dumped into our oceans (7). Globally, 12 million tonnes of plastic pollution ends up in our oceans every year. That means 1.2 million tonnes of that pollution is ‘ghost gear’. That’s the equivalent weight of 940 thousand double-decker buses.

To prevent illegal fishing practices, cameras and sensors could record what the boats caught and where. According to research from the World Wide Fund for Nature, installing remote monitoring equipment on every fishing boat longer than 10 meters in UK waters would only cost £5 million (8). However, installing this equipment is optional. In other words, it is necessary to abide by the law to avoid unsustainable practices, although installing the technology that confirms compliance is optional. It’s not surprising that less than 1% of ships have consented to transport the equipment.

The effect of stopping fish consumption

If the global population were to strictly adopt a diet free from fish consumption, the demand for fish and need for fishing would completely stop, resulting in a 10% cleaner ocean. Recent estimates indicate that fishing vessels account for over 3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, positioning them as a primary contributor to climate change. In fact, the emissions generated by fishing vessels often rival or exceed those of entire countries (9). Practising a no-fish diet, therefore, has the potential to make a significant impact on reducing pollution levels and atmospheric emissions. By abstaining from fish consumption, consumers could protest against fish companies’ unsustainable practices. Moreover, If we were to stop fishing altogether, it would help to relieve pressure on certain fish species that live near coral reefs and on the corals themselves. If coral reefs were able to recover, this would have a significantly positive ripple effect on the entire ocean’s ecosystem. By protesting against fish consumption and refusing to eat fish - we could force fishing companies to create and follow stricter regulations. Although this sounds feasible, it’s not necessarily the case.

The ocean is the key to a livelihood in many cultures. Stopping fishing entirely would have dire consequences. 60 million jobs would vaporise and leave a vast unemployed population. 60 million people would suddenly lose their jobs and might not have the means to find new ones. Furthermore, while some regions might have the option to turn to meat or soy-based protein sources as an alternative to seafood, implementing a fishing ban could trigger food scarcity in communities heavily reliant on sea-based farming. Seafood plays a crucial role as a primary protein source in various areas across Southeast Asia, as well as in islands scattered throughout the Indian and Pacific Oceans, supporting the nutritional needs of approximately 4 billion individuals(10). We can’t cut that off.

Potential solutions to sustainable consumption

The growing global population and increasing demand for food mean that we need to find sustainable sources of seafood. Completely abstaining from fish is not the answer - instead, we must approach consumption mindfully and sustainably. Luckily, there might be viable, environmentally-friendly ways to enjoy fish.

One potential avenue worth investigating is consuming smaller species of fish. Smaller varieties of seafood, often more plentiful due to their frequent reproductive cycles, offer a sustainable choice for large-scale consumption. Furthermore, smaller fish species generally have lower levels of environmental toxins, including mercury, which can be harmful when consumed in large amounts.

If commercial fishing was excluded from large areas of the sea, the total catch would likely be higher, paradoxically, due to what biologists call the spillover effect (11). Fish and shellfish breed and grow in protected areas, then spill over into surrounding waters. Catches have significantly increased in areas of the world where waters have been protected. Even if fishing were banned across the entire high seas, the world’s fish catch would still rise; as populations would naturally migrate into national waters. Therefore, excluding commercial fishing from designated areas can enhance catch volumes and contribute to sustainable fishing practices.

Another option worth considering is choosing farmed fish. Surprisingly, a study carried out in 2018 (12) challenged popular belief by revealing that farmed fish have a lower carbon footprint than their wild counterparts. However, it’s important to recognize that not all farmed fish operations adhere to sustainable practices. Fortunately, there are industry-specific guidelines in place to encourage and guide operations toward more sustainable approaches. When selecting seafood, it is crucial to consider the sustainability of its source. Unfortunately, these days that’s getting harder and harder to do.

Sustainable sources

Researching about the source and production methods of the seafood you consume, and actively backing certified sustainable seafood choices can make a substantial impact. Organizations recognized for certifying sustainably sourced seafood, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), can also help in identifying sustainable seafood options. However, several studies have expressed reservations about specific seafood certifications, with many raising concerns about the MSC. These studies suggest that certain aspects of the certification process, governance, transparency, and interactions with industry stakeholders may warrant further scrutiny.

Continuing with the MSC example, whilst well known and representing 14% of all global fish landings (13), still has some ambiguity surrounding its credibility. North Atlantic right whales are once more critically endangered, with only 340 left (14). They migrate from their calving grounds in Florida to feed in Canada and are at risk of entanglement in ghost gear and ship strikes due to their migratory shift into Canada’s snow crab grounds. This has caused a huge increase in fatalities, with more than a tenth of the population dead or injured in four years. Even one dead whale a year brings the species closer to extinction. Kate O’Connell, a marine wildlife consultant, warns that millions of these discarded lines are placed in the water every year. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has certified the right to use its “blue tick” label on products made by some of these fisheries discarding these lines into the water.

Furthermore, the MSC was accused of certifying fisheries with a high level of “bycatch” and said its certification was too easily achieved. While the MSC and other certification schemes play a significant role in promoting sustainability, it is important to consider multiple perspectives and research findings to form a comprehensive understanding of their effectiveness and address any potential limitations or areas for improvement.

Fishing in the future

Efficient and sustainable management strategies are crucial for the long-term viability of fisheries. To ensure the preservation and responsible use of our marine resources, comprehensive measures must be taken at a global level. One unspoken, but critical aspect is the widespread implementation of remote monitoring equipment on fishing vessels longer than 10 meters worldwide. This investment would enable robust enforcement of fishing regulations and ensure compliance, helping combat illegal and unregulated fishing practices. By utilizing innovative technology such as remote monitoring, accurate data on catch sizes, fishing locations, and adherence to regulations can be obtained in real-time.

Supporting effective governance, government policies and regulations play a pivotal role in safeguarding ocean ecosystems. Governments need to establish comprehensive frameworks that promote sustainable fishing practices, protect vulnerable species, and address the challenges posed by overfishing and habitat degradation. Adequate allocation of resources and enforcement efforts are crucial for successful implementation and compliance monitoring.

Embracing cutting-edge technologies can significantly contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems. Advancements in satellite imagery, drones, and underwater monitoring systems offer valuable tools for assessing and monitoring marine biodiversity, keeping an eye on fish populations, and identifying potential illegal activities. These technological solutions could enhance data collection accuracy, facilitate efficient resource management, and enable governments across the world to make timely responses to potential threats.

Fostering public awareness and engagement is vital for driving sustainable practices. Public awareness campaigns play an essential role in educating consumers, fishermen, and other stakeholders of the importance of ocean conservation and sustainable fishing choices.

In conclusion, the decline in biologically sustainable fish stocks is a pressing issue that requires immediate attention. The rate at which we fish is currently unsustainable, taking a toll on the declining population of fish worldwide. The reality that one-third of fish stocks are currently overfished emphasizes the urgency needed to change our fishing practices. The impact of industrial fishing on large ocean fish is catastrophic, and it reveals how little we value ocean life. In the end, continuing to overfish our already depleted sources will inevitably shift the brunt of the consequences to small-scale fishermen and local communities that depend on fishing for their livelihood. Government policies and regulations, innovative technology, and public awareness campaigns have to take place to secure the protection and restoration of our ocean ecosystems.