Start here
This page is a quick reference library of some of our best coverage on specific topics in fisheries.
We have hundreds of articles addressing several topics—if you are looking for more resources beyond what is listed below, get in touch and we can put you on to more.
Environmental impact of fishing
The Environmental Impact of Food & Seafood
How does the environmental impact of seafood compare to terrestrial food production? In this post, we explain the impacts associated with both.
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.
Overfishing
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.
Overfished, overfishing, and rebuilding stocks
How does a fishery become unsustainable? How do we rebuild an overexploited fishery? In this post we explain overfished, overfishing, and rebuilding stocks.
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.
Fishery management works
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.
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.
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.
Seafood Fraud
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.
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.
The sustainability implications of mislabeled fish in the U.S.
New research connects sustainability implications to seafood fraud. This the first empirical study of its kind.
Seafood consumption
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.
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.
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.
Responses to hyperbole
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.
From fishery science to fake news: how ocean misinformation evolves
How does fishery science go from hard data to misconstrued, clickbait headlines? The spread of misinformation is troubling.
Ethics, impact, and nutrition: A critical review of plant-based meat
Plant-based meat is all the rage, but it needs a critical review if it is going to realize the benefits touted by its brands.
Are you mad about Seaspiracy?
Seaspiracy’s lasting impact on sustainable seafood businesses
Seaspiracy has shaken consumer confidence in seafood like nothing before it. Jack Cheney reflects on what it means going forward.
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.
Ray Hilborn’s thoughts on Seaspiracy
Ray Hilborn comments on the Netflix Original film, Seaspiracy. Dr. Hilborn is a world-renowned fishery scientist and sustainability expert.