Fact Checks
These posts were motivated by various misinformation floating around the internet.
Be sure to check out our full explainers at Sustainable Seafood 101.
The science of Seaspiracy
The new Netflix Original film, Seaspiracy, makes some bold claims. We dive into the science and correct several bits of misinformation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Large Fish in the Ocean
Large fish in the ocean like tunas and billfishes are highly sought-after and compose some of the most valuable fisheries in the world. The majority of tuna and billfish fisheries are sustainable.
Fishing Down the Food Chain?
The mean trophic level of the world’s catch is not declining and the underlying theory that we begin fisheries by catching large valuable fish is incorrect. Lower trophic-level species like abalone and oysters are more likely to collapse from fishing pressure.
