I was curious about sustainable seafood….here’s what I found:
Three sad facts about our beautiful seas, shores and wildlife…
- Up to 75% of the world’s fish stocks are now fished to their limit or over-fished (FAO 2006) and just 10 fish species account for three-quarters of all seafood sold in the UK;
- We currently only have 3.3km square of our seas totally protected from all forms of extractive activities (eg. fishing, dredging, dumping) – less than 0.002%. Marine biologists recommend at least 20% should be totally protected;
- Over 1,900 items of litter are collected on an average kilometre of the UK beaches (Beachwatch 2006) - this rubbish eventually finds it’s way into the food chain.
10 easy ways to help the sea recover:
Choose sustainable seafood – Visit our website www.fishonline.org for advice on how to buy fish from sustainable fisheries and avoid over-fished species from unsustainable and damaging fisheries. For use when you are out and about, why not download the MCS pocket Good Fish Guide. Alternatively, email info@mcsuk.org to request a free hard copy, or to purchase the MCS Good Fish Guide book.
- Watch out for wildlife -Email us at info@mcsuk.org to report your sightings of marine life to MCS, but keep your distance whether at sea or on shore. You can also become part of our Basking Shark Watch or Jellyfish Survey, and if you are a diver you can take part in Seasearch.
- Take only memories, leave only footprints – on holiday don’t be tempted by souvenirs made from sea creatures unless you know they are a by-product of a local fishery.
- Take only photos. leave only bubbles – when diving or snorkeling never stand on the reef, kick up sand or hang on to coral heads which can take over 100 years to grow. Our Underwater Photographers Code of Conduct is packed full of handy hints and advice, just email info@mcsuk.org to request a copy.
- Turn the tide on litter – rubbish pollutes our beaches and entangles marine life. Always put rubbish in a bin or take it home. If you are interested in joining your local Beachwatch event or adopting a beach visit www.adoptabeach.org.uk
- Think before you flush – all drains lead to the sea so don’t flush cotton bud sticks, sanitary waste or toxic products down the toilet.
- Say no to packaging – avoid over-packaged goods and reuse your plastic bags.
- Reduce your carbon footprint and stop climate chaos – get on your bike, choose a fuel efficient car, use public transport and limit your international flights to reduce your carbon emissions.
- Think global, act local – buy British or even better, local produce, and reduce the air miles and emissions linked with your weekly shop. Where possible, buy organic and environmentally friendly products.
- Splash out – take part in our projects, become a supporter or make a donation and help MCS ensure the future for our seas. If you shop online at places like Amazon, Comet or John Lewis, then you can raise money for MCS without actually giving us a penny! See shop4mcs for more details.
This all came from http://www.mcsuk.org if you want to learn more!
