Bottom trawling is a horrific commercial fishing practice where a metal net miles long are dropped to the ocean floor and dragged by giant boats to catch seafood for human consumption. As you can imagine, they catch everything including dolphins, turtles, stingrays, sharks, sea birds, seahorses, etc. To date, they have killed hundreds of millions of these unintended sea life. More than 70% of the catch are unintended and are killed and dumped.

In addition, bottom trawling completely destroys marine life, their food sources, and corrals that sea creatures and marine plants, depend on for existence, not to mention us. Basically, it kills the entire ocean life leaving nothing to regenerate. Then the boats move onto other ocean floors, leaving behind a dead ocean; which can take up to hundreds or more years to regenerate; if ever. It is truly a crime against both man and sea life.

 

WE HOLD THE POWER!
Fortunately, we hold the power. If there’s no demand for these seafood products from bottom trawling practice, they will go out of business. So, what you buy at the markets can save the ocean and restore our seafood supply; not to mention keep the majestic ocean alive for us and the future generation, and of course keep us healthy. The products from these unethical companies are also lower in qualities with lots of fillers, chemicals, additives, and more. In some countries, bottom trawling has become illegal but enforcing it has been difficult. So, our purchasing power can be very effective.

 

SHOP SMART!
Look for sustainable labels when buying canned tuna, salmon, sardines, etc., and seafood in general. Sustainable label means the companies are adhering to sustainable practice to minimize harm to ocean and marine life.

 

CANNED TUNA
Canned tuna is one of the most popular food items but they are also the biggest culprit of bottom trawling.
Opt to buy sustainable canned tuna and avoid the most popular and cheap labels like Chicken of the sea, Bumble bee, Starkist, Trader Joes, Walmart, Costco, etc.
Wild Planet Albacore Tuna, American Tuna, or Whole Foods. Wild planet tunas and products are now sold in big packs at Costco and is very sustainable and affordable. You’ll see the huge difference in quality too. It’s fresher with real chunks of tuna and so much cleaner. Make sure you buy ones that are not salted or packed in oil.

CHOOSE PLANTED BASED SEAFOOD
Above all else, avoid buying seafood altogether and choose plant based products that are more nutritious, as well as tasty and affordable. There are now an abundance of vegan seafood products. At least give them a try and you’ll be saving our ocean and our health.

 

Here are two sources, that monitors our seafood for all kinds of potential toxicity. Check it out.
Greenpeace : http://www.greenpeace.org/usa/oceans/tuna-guide/

 

Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch
seafoodwatch@mbayaq.org

 

By being a smart shopper, you’ll protect your health, save marine life we love and depend on, and the beautiful ocean. Thank you!