Netflix documentary Seaspiracy has been making waves since its recent release on March 24. It aims to educate viewers about the adverse effects of the global fishing industry on our oceans. It also exposes the issues with sustainable fish certifications as well as the corruption and slave labor in the shrimp industry.
Seaspiracy, produced by Kip Anderson, the maker of Cowspiracy and What the Health, has been so well received that it has even convinced Slowood, a grocery store in Hong Kong, to pledge to phase out the sale of fish products. Slowood announced this change on their social media, saying “At Slowood, we believe every tiny step counts and hope to join our community to make the world a better place.”
Slowood also promises to donate the proceeds of its remaining fish products to vegan ocean conservation group Sea Shepherd.
According to the Seaspiracy website, there are three main strategies we can use to save the ocean: switch to a plant-based diet, enforce no-catch marine reserves, and end fishing subsidies.
Luckily, there is a recent surge in the study and development of sustainable protein alternatives such as kelp and even insects. And for those of us who may have a hard time eliminating fish from our diets, there are movements to safeguard our oceans and to create a sustainable ocean economy that will prevent unethical, unsustainable over-fishing. Plus, advancements in cell technology may mean lab-grown meat and seafood will soon be accessible and affordable in the future.
