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Having our fish and eating it too: Maximizing food production and biodiversity using good management
A new paper describes how regulating specific kinds of fishing in particular areas is extremely effective at preserving biodiversity while also producing food.
The future of food from the sea, explained
In 2050, Earth will need a lot more food to feed 2 billion more people. A landmark study calculates how much the ocean can supply sustainably.
An Open Letter to the 116th Congress from U.S. Marine Fishery Scientists
An open letter to the 116th congress regarding Marine Protected Areas – Title II of the Ocean-Based Climate Solutions Act (H.R.8632).
Fish populations around the world are improving
A cornerstone paper assembling data from around the world shows that fish populations, representing half of seafood, are improving. Fishery management works.
Ocean Optimism?
New research says we have the policy blueprints to rebuild marine life by 2050. Decarbonization needs to happen quickly, though.
Pregnant mothers and children should eat seafood
New research shows strong evidence that eating seafood boosts IQ by an average of 7.7 points in children whose mothers ate seafood during pregnancy.
Fact Checking Myths
There’s a lot of misinformation out there about fisheries and seafood. We fact check some common myths below.
What will Fisheries be like in 2048?
No scientist would support the assertion that all fish stocks will be collapsed by 2048. There are threats, however.
How many Fisheries are Overfished?
According to the U.N., 78.7% of fish come from a sustainable fishery. Of all monitored fisheries, 66% are sustainable, while 34% are overfished.
How much U.S. Seafood is Imported?
Misleading seafood deficit statistics have played a central role in Trump’s trade war. 35-38% of seafood consumed in the U.S. is produced domestically.
Our most popular stories
Ocean Optimism?
New research says we have the policy blueprints to rebuild marine life by 2050. Decarbonization needs to happen quickly, though.
Fish populations around the world are improving
A cornerstone paper assembling data from around the world shows that fish populations, representing half of seafood, are improving. Fishery management works.
8% of seafood is mislabeled
The latest science estimates 8% of seafood is mislabeled around the world. Read about the study that led to the updated figure here.
Fact-checking George Monbiot’s ‘Stop eating fish’ opinion in The Guardian
George Monbiot’s latest opinion piece in The Guardian is full of inaccuracies. We decided to fact check the piece to clear up any misinformation.
The Irony of Oceana’s Seafood Fraud Campaign
Oceana’s seafood fraud campaign is based on poor science that misleads the public, stokes consumer fear, and hurts fishermen, mongers, and chefs.
What is the Global Footprint of Fishing?
Scientists are getting closer to figuring out how much of the world’s ocean is fished, but discrepancies in the scale and interpretation of data are producing wildly different answers with contrasting conservation implications.
Eating Plants & Seafood
Conscious eating can and should include several different kinds of food. A plant-based diet has lower impact relative to a standard diet that includes lots of animal protein, but a diet that includes fish can have as low, or even lower impact.
A closer look at the environmental costs of food
A new paper compares and quantifies the environmental impacts of different foods, an important step for improving agricultural policy and empowering consumer choice.
Large, Open Ocean MPAs Distract from More Pressing Ocean Issues
How should conservationists and NGOs approach MPAs? Closing an area of the ocean to fishing will increase the amount of fish in that area, but it does not protect the ocean from its greatest threats: carbon dioxide emissions and pollution. MPAs are also rife with social justice implications.
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Seafood 101
We’ve developed this guide to give you insight into every aspect of fish as food for people around the world. Click on any heading to skip ahead or click through each post—the guide was written to read like a lesson that builds on each previous installment.
Seafood in a Global Context
Commercial Fishing
People & Fish
Our most recent stories
Fishery management is composed of small, concrete actions—which ones are best?
New research suggests a swiss-cheese model for sustainable fishery management, along with rebuilding plans.
Lobsters And Right Whales Are On A Climate-driven Collision Course
The American lobster fishery has operated sustainably for decades, but climate change has put critically endangered right whales in its path.
Letting “more big fish sink” doesn’t have the touted carbon benefits. Here’s the math.
Letting big fish sink to the bottom of the ocean to store carbon is touted as a climate change solution. Gordon Holtgrieve did the math and comes to a different conclusion.
How are benthic invertebrates impacted by bottom trawling?
Bottom trawling has destructive potential, but new research shows impacts can be limited with sound science and management.
MSC certification scrutinized again, this time over Orange Roughy. We spoke to two experts about it.
Several environmental groups have objected to MSC’s Orange Rougy certification. We spoke to two experts on the fishery.
Will New Zealand fishermen lead the way from traditional seabird conservation measures to Hookpods?
In the first part of a two part series, Ed Melvin describes an emerging fishing technology that will save thousands of albatross.
How will New Zealand fishermen respond to Hookpods—insights from a fisherman.
Dean Adams, of F/V Quest, offers a fisherman’s perspective on emerging technology meant to prevent albatross bycatch.
Having our fish and eating it too: Maximizing food production and biodiversity using good management
A new paper describes how regulating specific kinds of fishing in particular areas is extremely effective at preserving biodiversity while also producing food.
The future of food from the sea, explained
In 2050, Earth will need a lot more food to feed 2 billion more people. A landmark study calculates how much the ocean can supply sustainably.
Seafood consumption statistics in the U.S. (pre-pandemic)
A new paper reports the most accurate statistics on seafood consumption in the U.S. The pandemic has changed things, however.
Three experts talk about MSC’s potential bluefin tuna certification
MSC’s decision to certify a bluefin tuna fishery has been controversial. We spoke to 3 of the world’s tuna experts about the science and controversy.
Fact checking Donald Trump on lobsters
Donald Trump pledged money to Maine lobstermen impacted by his trade war with China. He also dismantled an MPA in an act of political showmanship. Why?
Fears of whale entanglements close Dungeness crab fishery…again
The 2020 Dungeness crab season was closed early, again due to fears of whale entanglements. New management actions could disincentivize further improvement.
State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020
The 2020 FAO state of world fisheries report includes an important new sustainability calculation. In this post, we highlight that and other data updates.
Optimism about salmon season in Bristol Bay. A chat with Andy Wink
We spoke to Andy Wink, executive director of the BBRSDA about the uncertainties surrounding salmon fishing this summer. Things are optimistic.
Ray Hilborn or Max Mossler write a newsletter with updates every once-in-a-while. It’s a good way to keep up with our stories.
Sign up below:
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