We communicate the science, policies, and human dimensions of sustainable fisheries.
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.
Ocean predicted to lose 5% of life per degree of global warming
Life in the ocean will decrease by 5% for every 1 degree of global temperature increase, according to Lotze et al. 2019, a paper published open access in PNAS in June 2019.
Sea turtle bycatch will be worse due to lawsuit in California swordfish fishery
Fears of sea turtle bycatch off California prompted a lawsuit to shut down the swordfish fishery. However, the fishery may actually prevent bycatch.
The climate change impacts of nutrition
How does climate change impact and nutrition factor into your daily food choices? A new study from Sweden will help you make better choices.
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
Recent Research
Mercury in seafood impacted by fishery management and climate change
Climate change and poor fishery management threaten sustainability. New research shows they also threaten the safety and nutrition of seafood we eat.
Retraction drama continues
A paper retracted last year has been republished with the exact same results and a companion critique. We explain the drama in this summary.
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.
Ocean predicted to lose 5% of life per degree of global warming
Life in the ocean will decrease by 5% for every 1 degree of global temperature increase, according to Lotze et al. 2019, a paper published open access in PNAS in June 2019.
In-depth coverage of particular fisheries
The Pacific Sardine (Sardinops sagax)
Orange Roughy
Atlantic Cod: The Good, The Bad, and the Rebuilding – Part 1
Atlantic Cod: The Good, The Bad, and the Rebuilding – Part 2
The Status and Potential of Europe’s Atlantic Fisheries – Part 1
The Status and Potential of Europe’s Atlantic Fisheries – Part 2
#OceanOptimism
Northeast Atlantic fisheries are improving
Researchers analyzed Northeast Atlantic fisheries from 1960-2015 and found that increases in spawning stock biomass were highly correlated to fishery policy implementation.
Explore more
Expert Commentary
Does the dramatic increase in tuna catches mean extinction is around the corner? No.
There has been a lot of misleading press concerning the sustainability status of tuna. Dr. Maite Pons, an expert in tuna fisheries explains what is really going on.
The new Canadian Fisheries Act is good, but could be better
In summer 2019, Canada significantly amended their laws governing commercial fishing. We spoke to three Canadian fishery experts to evaluate the changes.
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.
Latest Oceana seafood fraud report takes aim at SIMP, but misses mark
Oceana’s latest seafood fraud report takes aim at reforming SIMP, however the science behind their advocacy is misleading, once again.
Management & Policy
The new Canadian Fisheries Act is good, but could be better
In summer 2019, Canada significantly amended their laws governing commercial fishing. We spoke to three Canadian fishery experts to evaluate the changes.
Sea turtle bycatch will be worse due to lawsuit in California swordfish fishery
Fears of sea turtle bycatch off California prompted a lawsuit to shut down the swordfish fishery. However, the fishery may actually prevent bycatch.
Number of overfished U.S. stocks at an all-time low
The United States reaffirmed itself as the global leader in sustainable fisheries with the release of NOAA’s Status of Stocks 2017, the annual report to Congress on the state of U.S. fisheries. Just 9% of stocks are subject to overfishing and 15% of stocks are overfished.
Pulse Trawling, Tradeoffs, and Managing new Technology
Pulse trawling, a new kind of technology that uses electric pulses to startle fish into nets, has less potential environmental impact than bottom trawling, but has equity concerns among fishers and ethical considerations for fish. The EU recently decided to ban the practice.
