Eating sustainably is a new way of thinking. It isn’t just what you eat, it also means considering the origin of that bunch of grapes or the shrimp on your salad.
The sea has been so bounteous throughout human history, it seems almost incomprehensible that we are over consuming its populations of fishes. Yet for some species that is the reality.
Here in Southern California we have experienced firsthand the decline of local fish and sea life populations. Pacific sardines fed the soldiers and civilian populations during WW2. But this thriving sardine fishery crashed with the combination of natural population cycles and over harvesting. Not only were fish impacted, all of the canneries on Monterey’s famous Cannery Row were closed down. Jobs and livelihoods were lost.
More recently we’ve seen the near disappearance of abalone and giant sea bass. But both of these creatures have been aided by human endeavors to assist with raising juveniles, specific fishing regulations and providing marine sanctuary areas where reproducing populations can reestablish themselves.
Seafood is an important part of a healthy diet. But some seafood is not caught or raised in ways that assure long-term survival of species. You can make environmentally important choices that support sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch guide has just been updated with the current seafood choices that are best for the planet.
They even have an ap for the iphone. Check it out.
We had wild-caught Pacific salmon last night. Not only was it good for us, we supported sustainable fishing practices.
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