Learn more about organizations focusing on Long Island Sound and conservation issues by clicking the links below:

The old adage “there are plenty of fish in the sea” is no longer true. Seafood stocks are under increased pressure worldwide to provide for growing populations. This increased demand has taken a toll on fish populations and the health of the oceans. Two thirds of the world’s fishing areas are considered over fished; and the frenzy to keep up with the demand from consumers, produces a stunning 30 million tons a year of wasted catch–animals caught accidently and discarded for dead. This “by-catch” not only includes sharks and other fish, but turtles, sea birds and marine mammals as well. Efforts are being made to change the destructive fishing methods that damage habitats and produce tons of “by-catch” while aquaculture or “fish farming” is providing some relief to the demands on fisheries.

Sustainable seafood is becoming an increasingly important part of the formula for healthy oceans. Sustainable seafood is shellfish and sea fish that are caught or farmed in environmentally responsible ways. That means the methods used to grow or collect the fish did not impair the health and productivity of the ocean’s ecosystem. Many people assume that any fish that is farm raised is “good” or sustainable-- and that is not the case. Typical methods of farming fish have harmful impacts on fish populations and the environment. Open ocean net pens are sources of pollution from waste and excess feed, and can allow the spread of disease and parasites to wild fish populations. Genetically altered and non-native escapees from fish farms pose a different set of problems!

Conservation groups have developed public awareness campaigns to help inform us about the issues involved with keeping the oceans healthy. Seafood Watch is a program developed by Monterey Bay Aquarium to educate consumers about sustainable seafood. They publish a regional pocket guide with common seafoods listed as “Best Choices”, “Good Alternatives” or “Avoid” depending on the current status of the species. Click here for a current pocket guide for the Northeast.

The Maritime Aquarium proudly partners with Seafood Watch in advocating sustainable seafood. “The Maritime Aquarium wants to do more than display marine life for public enjoyment,” said Donna Schlegel, Director of Volunteer & Community Services and the Aquarium’s coordinator for the Seafood Watch program. “We want people to be informed about the importance of healthy oceans. We want them to know that as consumers they can make a difference by making smart choices, choosing fish and shellfish that are well managed.”

The Maritime Aquarium has been working with area businesses to support the guidelines offered by Seafood Watch. We would like to help our visitors find restaurants that feature sustainable seafood.

Support establishments that offer sustainable seafood. Carry your pocket guide with you and when you shop or dine out, ask questions about the seafood selections on the menu. There is a direct link between the seafood we eat and the health of the ocean. Make good choices for a healthy ocean. You can make a difference.

Seafood Watch has developed an extensive list of sustainable seafood programs tailored to consumers, restaurants, retailers, educators and links to other resources. Click on Seafood Watch to explore their website and take some steps to be part of the solution.