Documentaries

The Fishing Industry

Marine Life

Whales play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems by fertilizing phytoplankton, which produce up to 85% of the world's oxygen. These marine giants stimulate the growth of these microscopic plants through their fecal matter, which are rich in iron and nitrogen. This process enhances phytoplankton productivity, contributing significantly to the oxygen we breathe. Protecting whales is essential for maintaining this oxygen supply and overall planetary health.

Every year, 2.7 trillion fish are caught globally, which translates to a staggering 5 million fish per minute. This massive scale of fishing not only depletes fish populations but also results in significant bycatch, where non-target species such as whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles are unintentionally caught and killed. Approximately 40% of all fish caught are discarded, leading to the death of these animals. Moreover, fishing vessels kill around 650,000 marine mammals annually due to entanglement and bycatch.

Sharks, which are vital for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, and have been around far longer than us human-beings, are being decimated at alarming rates. Humans kill between 11,000 and 30,000 sharks per hour, leading to population declines of up to 99% in species such as thresher, bull, and hammerhead sharks over the last two decades. This drastic reduction severely threatens the stability of marine ecosystems.

Seabird populations have seen a dramatic decline of 70% since the 1950s. Overfishing has disrupted the food chain, reducing the availability of fish for these birds.

The Pacific bluefin tuna has been fished to the brink of extinction, with only 3% of its population remaining. This species is now classified as endangered.

Simply put: the fishing industry’s impact is devastating; it kills more animals in a single day than the Deepwater Horizon oil spill did over several months. Scientists predict that by 2048, our oceans will be practically devoid of fish, and therefore, devoid of other marine life, too.

By eliminating fish from our diet, we can help the oceans to recover and support the recovery of our marine ecosystem, and endangered species such as sharks, blue-fin tuna, and seabirds. Moreover, you can stop the killing of dolphins, whales, and seals, simply by opting to eat fish alternatives.

Environmental Impact

The oceans are a major carbon sink, absorbing a staggering four times more CO2 than the Amazon rainforest, making them critical in mitigating climate change. Yet, current marine protection efforts are grossly inadequate. While researchers recommend protecting 30% of our oceans, only 5% are designated as marine protected areas (MPAs), and within these MPAs, 90% still permit fishing activities. This insufficient protection allows the continued decline of marine biodiversity. The fishing industry is having a catastrophic impact on our world.

Globally, there are 4.6 million commercial fishing vessels, laying enough longline fishing gear daily to encircle the planet 500 times. This intensive fishing effort devastates marine ecosystems. Scientists predict that 90% of the world’s coral reefs will die by 2050 due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing. Coral reefs rely on fish populations for nutrients provided through their excretions, but declining fish populations threaten the survival of these critical habitats.

Commercial fishing practices, particularly bottom trawling, are highly destructive. These trawlers drag nets the size of football fields across the ocean floor, obliterating everything in their path and causing irreversible damage to marine habitats. Farmed fish, which now make up 50% of the world’s seafood, suffer from various health issues, including anemia, lice infestations, infectious diseases, and heart disease. The environmental impact of fish farming is significant, with each salmon farm in Scotland producing waste equivalent to a town of 10,000 to 20,000 people annually. Additionally, up to 50% of farmed salmon die before reaching the plate, and their flesh is artificially colored to appeal to consumers.

Shrimp farming is responsible for 38% of global mangrove deforestation. Mangroves are critical for coastal protection and carbon storage, and their destruction further exacerbates climate change and habitat loss. Fish, which are often contaminated with heavy metals, mercury, plastic compounds, hexachlorobenzenes, and PCBs, pose health risks that often outweigh the benefits of their omega-3 fatty acids. It is also worth noting fish do not actually produce omega-3 fatty acids; algae do.

Fish carbon plays a role in climate stabilization by absorbing almost all of the earth’s excess heat. However, the continued depletion of fish populations and the resulting toxic, fishless oceans will render this function impossible. Runoff from animal agriculture contributes to oceanic dead zones—areas with low oxygen levels that cannot support marine life. The loss of just 1% of the ocean’s carbon stores is equivalent to the emissions from 97 million cars.

Up to 50% of ocean plastic pollution is attributed to discarded fishing nets. The fishing industry receives substantial financial support, with $35 billion in subsidies, promoting unsustainable practices.

The oceans, which are home to up to 80% of all life on Earth, are under severe threat. The combined impacts of overfishing, destructive fishing practices, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction are driving marine species to extinction and degrading the health of marine ecosystems. Addressing these issues is critical for preserving marine biodiversity and maintaining the environmental services that oceans provide, such as oxygen production, carbon storage, and climate regulation.

Health Concerns

Most people tend to think of fish as a healthy choice, one with significant nutritional benefits such as omega-3 fatty acids. However, what few seem to people know is that eating fish can actually have a long-lasting impact on your health:

1. Contamination with Heavy Metals and Toxins:

   • Mercury: Fish, especially large predatory species like tuna, swordfish, and sharks, can accumulate high levels of mercury. Mercury exposure can lead to serious health issues, including neurological and developmental problems, particularly in pregnant women and young children.

   • Plastic Compounds and PCBs: Fish can contain plastic compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which are industrial chemicals linked to cancer and other serious health problems. These contaminants enter the food chain through pollution and can accumulate in fish tissues.

   • Hexachlorobenzenes (HCBs): HCBs are persistent organic pollutants found in fish that have been associated with liver disease, immune system dysfunction, and reproductive issues.

   Farmed Fish Health Issues:

   • Disease and Parasites: As we’ve already stated, farmed fish are often prone to diseases such as anemia, lice infestations, infectious diseases, and even chlamydia. These conditions can spread to wild fish populations and pose a risk to human consumers.

   • Use of Antibiotics and Chemicals: To manage disease and parasites, farmed fish are frequently treated with antibiotics and other chemicals. Overuse of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria, posing a significant public health risk.

   • Artificial Coloring: Farmed salmon are fed synthetic astaxanthin to give their flesh the desired orange/pink color, which raises concerns about the additives and chemicals used in their feed.

   Nutrient Imbalance:

   • Omega-3 vs. Contaminants: While fish are a source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, the contaminants present in fish far outweigh these benefits. Algae, the primary producers of omega-3 fatty acids, can provide these nutrients without the associated risks of consuming fish.

   Waste and Environmental Toxins:

   • Waste from Fish Farming: Fish farms produce significant amounts of organic waste, equivalent to that of large towns, contributing to water pollution and the spread of toxins in aquatic environments. This pollution can also affect the safety and quality of fish intended for human consumption.

So What’s The Alternative?

By choosing not to buy fish products you actively withdraw your support from this hugely destructive industry. It's a powerful demonstration of your principles. Not only that, but you significantly lower your carbon footprint and improve your health.

And you might say, "What difference does it make if I stop buying it? I’m just one person, that won’t make a difference." This scepticism isn’t uncommon, but remember, social change is driven by individuals. It always has been. And each time you choose a plant-based alternative over an animal product, you contribute to a growing force that pressures industries to move away from their reliance upon animal suffering. The prevalence of vegan options in supermarkets, fast food chains, cafés, and restaurants is proof that this shift is happening. And, eventually, we will see a society where vegan foods are the norm, and animal products are few and far between. And you can play a very real part in making that happen even sooner.

Moreover, you’re not even missing out because everything you enjoy eating can be made vegan. Yes, really. Everything, from tuna sandwiches, to fish and chips, to sushi - all can be made without fish. You might be daunted at the thought of change at first. It’s natural. We all are, and it can be hard to know where to start, and you might even think this is all well and good, and you get it, but you can’t devote the time to it. But, the truth is, with so many resources and alternatives available now, transitioning to a vegan lifestyle has never been easier, or quicker.

Challenge 22 is just one of the many free, online challenges that will help you transition to a vegan lifestyle, but what’s special about them is you’ll have over a dozen vegan mentors available to help you at any given time and suggest recipes and alternatives, and there’s even a nutritionist on hand to give expert advice (not that nutrition is a concern, but sadly a lot of people think it is, due to all the misinformation out there about veganism) - it’s completely FREE. So give it a go!

Our Recipes

Coming soon