In recent years we have often heard of overfishing, where
excessive fishing damages the ecosystem.
The depauperation of seas that results from overfishing is a problem to both biodiversity and the ecosystem services that benefit people. Nowadays the situation of fishing stocks globally is alarming and it's further threatened by illegal fishing, which also impacts local communities.
three quearters of fishing stocks are over exploited and some fish is also wasted due to it being unwanted bycatch.
Moreover, some fishing techniques can hamper the ecosystem as these can catch unwanted species (including dolphins and turtles), and damage the ocean floor which sustains multiple species.
Becoming a more aware and sustainable consumer is thus a necessity if we want to preserve both the ecosystem and the economies that rely on the sea. Hence, it is paramount to provide information to consumers: what habits do we need to change? What small actions can make a difference?
We talked with Bruna Valettini, head of edutainment for
Acquario di Genova, one of the promoters of the
WhichFish EAZA campaign, which aims at raising awareness towards a more sustainable seafood consumption.
