Oceans cover 70% of the earth. They are incredibly important to human existence and yet, our oceans are in serious trouble. We have contaminated and polluted our oceans so much, that we are at a tipping point. Within the last 15 years, industrial fishing has depleted nearly 90% of the ocean’s large predatory fish. Over 88 million tons of seafood are taken from the ocean each year. Many fish are harvested before they reach the age of reproduction, resulting in a huge decrease in their populations. Moreover, many fisheries take part in extremely destructive fishing techniques which destroy the fragile seafloor, contributing the rapid disappearance of marine life. The ocean is an entire eco-system; one change affects all species.
One of the major problems is overfishing. Due to popular demand, fisheries are catching fish faster than they can reproduce. This means many species have been practically depleted. Nature can’t keep up with modern technology. As fishing boats net thousands of fish at a time, it’s no wonder that many fish species cannot keep up. Take the case of the Chilean sea bass. A decade ago, nobody had heard of it; now it has become so popular that fisheries have practically fished it to extinction.
Another threat to sustainability is overpopulation or rather overproduction. Fish farms are cultivating thousands of fish in small, confined areas. Their methods are hardly eco-friendly. This so called aqua culture results in diseased fish; diseases spread beyond the fish farm and into the ocean. Many penned fish escape spreading disease as they go. Still others take over the natural habitat and kill off other species.
Bycatch accounts for a full one third of the total world catch. This means that about 27 tons of what is caught is unwanted. Turtles, seabirds, dolphins, seals, and even whales are caught inadvertently due to irresponsible fishing methods.
Finally, many fisheries engage in severely destructive fishing methods. They trawl the ocean floors destroying everything in their wake. Some species of coral take hundreds of years to form and what with the constant trawling, they don’t stand a chance.
We need to consider the sustainability of species when we buy fish. Encourage your local restaurants and fish markets to get their products from responsible fishers who use hooks and lines rather than trawlers. Sustainability starts with us-as consumers we need to put pressure on the fishing agency and demand more responsibility.
Alaska is home to an abundant variety of seafood, and offers some of the purest marine, freshwater, and upland habitats on the planet.
From the clear crystal waters comes seafood that is delicious and healthy. Alaskan seafood is low in fat but big on flavor and Omega-3 oils. You can study thousands of pages of nutritional research. Or, simply observe the amazing health and longevity of people in countries where seafood is the most important part of their diet. Either way, Alaska seafood is as healthy as it is delicious.
Are you are looking for a meal that is low in saturated fat, filled with nutrients and packed with good heart healthy Omega-3s oils? Then you should start with Alaska Seafood.
