Located just a few miles from the coastline, the power and promise of the ocean is never far from our minds. This month we join our partner MSC in celebrating World Ocean Month, which spans the entire month of June, and World Ocean Day which is June 8th. This is the time we celebrate the ocean and work to create a more sustainable future.
Sustainable fishing means MORE. More joy from a good catch. More nutritious meals. More for local economies. More color in our ocean. More wonders to discover.
Given that sustainable fishing practices could provide the world with 16 million more metric tons of seafood, it also means more fish. Sustainable fishing means more for today, tomorrow, and for future generations. Throughout World Ocean Month, join us in our commitment to sustainable fishing practices.
Sustainable Fishing Means More Color
The ocean covers over 70% of the Earth’s surface and provides 80% of its biodiversity. Over 400 improvements were made by MSC certified fishers in the last three years to help protect the wonders of our ocean biodiversity. To become MSC certified, fisheries must prove that they aren’t adversely impacting wildlife populations in their fishing area and are actively reducing unwanted catch.
Sustainable Fishing Means More Discovery
Much of the ocean is still a mystery to us. In fact, more humans have visited the moon than the bottom of the ocean. New species of fish continue to be discovered every year. There’s still so much left to learn on this planet – especially about the ocean. However, many mysteries will be left unsolved if we don’t do our part to care for the ocean.
To help, the MSC has awarded $5 million to fund projects that help us understand and improve what’s going on under the surface of the ocean. They encourage fisheries to be innovative and discover new ways to avoid overfishing. For example, when it was discovered that placing LED lighting on shrimp nets reduces unwanted catch of eulachon, a small species of smelt, used for both food and medicine, by up to 90%, the MSC strongly encouraged fisheries to adopt this technology.
Sustainable Fishing Means More Choice
Sustainable fishing isn’t just good for the environment; it’s good for the economy as well as the health of the world’s population. 16 million tons more wild seafood could be fished each year if global fisheries were sustainably managed.
So far, there are over 20,000 MSC certified sustainable seafood products in 66 countries around the globe. However, sustainability also depends on the consumers who buy fish products to make healthy, tasty meals. You might be wondering how you can do your part to help with World Ocean Month. The easiest way is to look for the blue MSC label at your grocery store to make your sustainable seafood selection.
Together, we protect our ocean through sustainable choices this World Ocean Month, and throughout the rest of the year. Spread the word that sustainable fishing means more benefits for our ocean and our world.
