It’s a wonderful thing to see: people all around the world taking out their metal straws during lunch breaks and cocktail hours, hoping to put a dent in the vast issue of plastic ocean pollution. While this gesture is well-meaning and indeed helpful, it barely scratches the surface of a much larger, deeper problem. Yes, refusing single-use plastics like straws is a great step, but it doesn’t help the fish populations or our own health. The truth is, our dietary choices, particularly our consumption of fish and ocean life, have far-reaching impacts on the oceans that many of us have yet to fully grasp because we have been made to believe that the oceans’ supply of fish is infinite and that eating fish is healthy, when it is not.

So, let’s dive a little deeper under the surface. Why isn’t your metal straw enough? Because the oceans aren’t just choking on plastic—they’re gasping for breath under the pressures of overfishing, habitat destruction, and the ripple effects these practices have on marine ecosystems.

The Overfishing Crisis

Imagine attending a party where the guests outnumber the snacks available; chaos would ensue as everyone scrambles to get a bite. This scenario mirrors what’s happening in our oceans. Overfishing—the practice of fishing with little regard for limits or sustainability—is like an over-attended party where fish populations can’t replenish as fast as they’re caught. According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 34.2% of global fish stocks are now overfished—a statistic that has tripled since 1974 [1].

The Impact on Marine Life

The cascading effects on marine ecosystems are profound. As predatory fish populations dwindle, their prey proliferate in unnatural abundance, disrupting the delicate balance of marine life. This imbalance can lead to the collapse of entire ecosystems. For example, removing large numbers of predators like tuna for sandwiches or sushi and sharks for shark fin soup, affects the population dynamics of smaller fish and plankton, leading to unpredictable consequences for ocean health and the global climate since the ocean plays a crucial role in sequestering carbon dioxide [2].

Destruction Beyond Fishing

It’s not just the act of fishing that’s damaging. The methods used can be destructive, too. Bottom trawling, for instance, is akin to bulldozing the sea floor. It destroys coral, seagrass beds, and other critical habitats that provide food, shelter, and breeding grounds for marine species. This method is so impactful that scientists have noted significant changes to marine topography and biodiversity in areas where it’s practiced [3].

Health Implications of Eating Fish

Switching gears to a more personal perspective, consuming fish affects not only the oceans but also our health. Fish accumulate harmful substances such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxins from polluted waters. These substances can have severe health effects, including developmental problems in children and cardiovascular issues in adults. Reducing fish consumption can decrease exposure to these contaminants, promoting better health outcomes [4].

What Can We Do?

Now, feeling a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry; every wave starts with a ripple. Here’s how we can make waves:

Reduce Fish Consumption: Shifting towards a plant-based diet or reducing fish intake can significantly lessen the demand that drives overfishing. Plant-based alternatives to seafood are becoming more available and are delicious too! Or simply don’t consider fish part of your diet any longer and instead seek out beneficial starchy and filling foods like potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, lentils, quinoa and vegetables and fruits. These contain all the protein you need.

Educate and Advocate: Share what you’ve learned. Awareness is the catalyst for change. The more people know about the impact of their dietary choices, the more likely they are to make ocean-friendly decisions.

Our Commitment

At Boon For All, we’re all about healthy skincare and beauty products; we’re also about making choices that respect our planet. That’s why we offer products like our Gut + Skin Reset, designed to promote health without harming you, animals or the planet. It’s a small change, but with a potentially big impact. You can look forward to delicious plant-based meals, glowing skin, better digestion, more energy and even weight loss while keeping unnecessary fat and protein to a minimum.

References:

  1. “The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020.”
  2. Worm, B. et al. “Impacts of Biodiversity Loss on Ocean Ecosystem Services.” Science, 2006.
  3. Puig, P., et al. “Ploughing the deep sea floor.” Nature, 2012.
  4. Foran, J. A., et al. “Risk-Based Consumption Advice for Farmed Atlantic and Wild Pacific Salmon Contaminated with Dioxins and Dioxin-Like Compounds.” Environmental Health Perspectives, 2005.