Choosing sustainable fish sends a clear signal for change

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Consumers play a crucial role in influencing fishing practices by choosing sustainable fish, expressing a preference for products that minimize harm to oceans and wildlife. This choice sends a clear signal for the demand of healthy, responsible fish. By opting for sustainable options, individuals support a better future for both people and the planet. The focus should be on what is bought rather than where it is bought, emphasizing the importance of purchasing fish that align with sustainability values. Visiting sustainable restaurants, like Rosella, can offer consumers opportunities to enjoy meals made from local, sustainably sourced fish. Such intentional choices by consumers promote awareness and contribute to positive changes in the fishing industry.

Roughly 196 million tons of fish were harvested in 2020, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. The organization also notes that the number of overfished stocks worldwide has tripled in the last century. All of this overfishing has led to the decline of entire species, like Atlantic cod.

Enter the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch. It and other free guides give consumers an overview of the world of fish and seafood, helping people to figure out the most sustainable fish available to them. With the help of Life Kit's Clare Marie Schneider, we figure out how to make informed decisions about what we eating – whether that's at a restaurant or the local supermarket.

Check out more from Life Kit on sustainable seafood.

Have questions or comments for us to consider for a future episode? Email us at shortwave@npr.org — we'd love to hear from you!

A previous version of this episode incorrectly stated that there are native wild salmon in Chile. Salmon are not native to Chile.

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