Stopping the use of single-use plastics is posted all over the internet, it is mentioned by almost every single ocean and wildlife conservation group, but this is not enough. The real culprit behind the majority of damage to our oceans is commercial fishing. Why aren't we talking about the immense impact the fishing industry has on our oceans, coral reefs, and marine life? It has been predicted that 90% of Earth's coral reefs will die by 2050 as a result of overfishing, fish are necessary to keep our coral reefs alive. 

I too thought that stopping the use of single-use plastics like plastic straws, plastic cutlery, and plastic shopping bags was a major help. Just like many others, I bought reusable shopping bags, metal straws, and carried reusable water bottles with me basically wherever I went. I was extremely shocked to find out that my actions were the bare minimum. Did you know: only 0.03% of ocean plastic is from plastic straws.

Many people mention that "we need fishing" because it's a food source and for some people, the main thing they eat. Humans do not need to eat fish to survive unlike other aquatic species like sharks, whales, and dolphins. If these species lose their source of food they will die, if one major species dies off, it will cause a ripple effect and all marine life will fall soon after. 250,000 sea turtles are injured, captured, or killed annually, by our neighbours, the USA from commercial fishing, compared to the approximately ~1000 sea turtle deaths caused by plastic worldwide per year. 

Don't be fooled by the idea of fish being healthy, the conditions in fish farms are horrible. Chemicals are used on the fish we eat to "make them more appealing", there is nothing nutritional in fish that can't be found elsewhere. There are many alternatives to fish that are much more nutritious.

Slavery in the seafood industry is reported in 47 countries. The fishing industry is dangerous, not just the actual fishing, but the slavery, bribery, and murder occurring. People are hired to be on these commercial fishing boats to ensure animals like dolphins, sharks, turtles, and other unwanted bycatch, are released or not even caught in the first place. The people who are supposed to be regulating and observing these fishing vessels are often bribed, and some are even killed to ensure the overfishing can continue without interruption/being reported. 

Currently, governments around the world contribute 35 billion dollars to fishing subsidies. According to the UN; approximately 30 billion dollars is needed to END WORLD HUNGER. Why is our government putting so much money into an unnecessary trade? Our governments are prioritizing the income from fishing industries, over the life and future of the human race. Without a healthy ocean, our marine life, and aquatic ecosystems, we can not survive.

The only way to save our oceans before it's too late is to stop eating fish. As long as there is a demand for fish, they will not stop overfishing.

The world needs to change. Canada, let's be the first to start the movement and STOP EATING FISH. SAVE THE WORLD.

#savetheworldstopeatingfish

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source: https://www.seaspiracy.org/

photo credit: https://oceana.ca/en/blog/five-animals-impacted-plastic-pollution-and-how-you-can-help-protect-them