Last week I went to Toronto's St. Lawrence Market and noticed that King Crab legs were up to $100!!!
And it kinda freaked me out, because I assumed that prices only get that high when supply is low - that's right, I took an Economics course one time.
According to KYMA Sea Conservation & Research:
2- Populations of large predatory fish like tuna, swordfish, sharks, and cod have declined rapidly, in some cases by 90% or more over the past six decades.
3- This "fishing down the food web" by targeting smaller fish as larger species decline threatens the entire marine ecosystem.
One of the biggest issues is BYCATCH.
Picture a huge net rolling through a forest and collecting everything in its path - birds, squirrels, moose, deer etc. - and the people controlling that net only keep the Deer. All the other animals are tossed away, usually dead.
We would never allow this on 'dry land', but because we can't see it, it's easily overlooked in the sea, and it has dire consequences on Ocean Ecosystems.
Short of going full-Vegan, how can we eat seafood more sustainably?
1- Purchase seafood certified by reputable organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild-caught fish and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for farmed seafood. These logos indicate the seafood meets robust environmental standards.
The Ocean Wise program in Canada also certifies and recommends sustainable options.
2- Only Buy American/Canadian Caught
Seafood caught in U.S. and Canadian waters is subject to strong fisheries management laws designed to prevent overfishing.
This avoids issues like illegal fishing, bycatch, and destructive harvesting methods associated with some imported seafood.
3- Choose Sustainable Farmed Fish
Responsibly farmed fish like barramundi, oysters, mussels, clams, and those from recirculating aquaculture systems can be sustainable choices that reduce pressure on wild stocks.
Look for farms certified by Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) or recommended guides.
4- Use Seafood Guides and Online Resources
Refer to guides like Seafood Watch, SeaChoice, and the Monterey Bay Aquarium for recommendations on best choices.
5- Check out these Online retailers: Scout Canning, Skipper Otto & Organic Ocean offer direct-to-consumer sustainable seafood with full traceability.
