Regeneration vs. Sustainability: Navigating Sea Change
“The Global Crisis: An Ocean in Peril” Seaspiracy.org
Seaspiracy is an organization that has dedicated itself to unveiling paramount truths and inevitable realities facing the state of our oceans.
The oceans, covering over 70% of our planet, serve as the lifeblood of Earth. Yet, the alarming facts presented by Seaspiracy.org shed light on the looming crisis our oceans face. Marine ecosystems are in peril, from overfishing and destructive fishing practices to plastic pollution. The need for decisive action is evident in the face of such challenges.
Debunking Sustainability Myths
Traditionally, "sustainability" has been associated with maintaining the status quo, allowing for continued exploitation without causing irreparable harm. However, Seaspiracy.org (and basic common sense) challenges this notion, emphasizing that sustaining a dying ocean is far from sustainable. Overfishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction persist even in so-called sustainable practices, driving marine life and all living things to the brink.
The Urgency of Regeneration
Recognizing the situation's urgency, Third Coast Superior stands firm in its commitment to regenerative sourcing. The emphasis is not merely on maintaining current conditions but actively participating in restoring and revitalizing ocean ecosystems. This approach addresses the root causes of marine depletion, promoting long-term health and abundance.
Non-Plastic Set Net Caught Herring: A Responsible Choice
At Third Coast Superior, we take pride in our regeneratively sourced fish sauce, starting with our commitment to using non-plastic set net caught herring from the largest fresh-water source on earth, Lake Superior. This method ensures minimal environmental impact, avoiding the detrimental effects of traditional plastic fishing gear. The emphasis on responsible harvesting methods aligns with the principles of regeneration rather than mere sustainability.
Bycatch and Overfishing: A Criminal Enterprise
Shedding Light on Unethical Fishing Practices
The shark finning industry, often involved in criminal activities, poses a severe threat to shark populations, resulting in about 50 million sharks killed annually as bycatch. Seabird populations have declined by 70% since the 1950s due to destructive fishing practices and pollution. Additionally, wasteful bycatch, estimated at up to 40% of all marine life caught, contributes to the depletion of various species. These interconnected challenges highlight the urgent need for comprehensive conservation efforts to protect marine ecosystems from the detrimental impacts of human activities.
Unsustainable Fishing Practices: Devastating Impact of the Fishing Industry
Icelandic Fisheries' environmental impact is glaring, causing the deaths of 269 harbor porpoises, 900 seals, and 5000 seabirds in one month. Paradoxically, despite these devastating impacts, the fishery received the Blue Tick from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which relies on issuing its "sustainability" stamp for 80% of its funding.
The Pacific Garbage Patch underscores the pervasive impact of irresponsible fishing, with fishing nets comprising 46% of the debris. Over 300,000 whales, dolphins, and porpoises fall victim to bycatch annually, posing a threat to marine mammal populations.
Sea turtles face dire consequences, with six out of seven species threatened or endangered due to fishing and 1,000 dying annually globally from plastic. In the USA, 250,000 sea turtles are affected yearly, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable practices.
A Bleak Future: Impending Environmental Catastrophe
The fishing industry's daily toll surpasses the Deepwater Horizon oil spill's impact, highlighting the ecological crisis. Coral reefs face a predicted 90% decline by 2050 due to fishing, causing population drops in vital fish species. Historically, 1830s fishing boats caught 1-2 tons of halibut daily, contrasting sharply with today's fleet struggling to match that yearly, indicating fish population depletion.
Alarming statistics reveal the issue's intensity, with 2.7 trillion fish caught annually, contributing to population declines and raising concerns about virtually empty oceans by 2048. Urgent adoption of sustainable fishing practices is crucial in light of these stark realities.
Take Action: Be the Change the Oceans Need
Embrace the power within you to drive positive change for our oceans in the face of vast challenges. Take decisive action with these impactful steps:
Choose Responsibly: Opt for consuming less or no ocean fish. When you do, consult the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch List for reliable information on the best options. Understand your impact, honor your experience, and take from it all that you are able.
Reduce Plastic Consumption: Minimize or eliminate single-use plastics in your daily life. Embrace reusable bags, bottles, straws, and containers to stem the tide of plastic entering our oceans.
Educate and Advocate: Stay informed about marine conservation issues and share your knowledge. Advocate for policies that safeguard our oceans and endorse regenerative fishing practices. Call for sanctions on governments and companies promoting the destruction of our oceans and human slavery, making consumers unwitting accomplices.
Support Responsible Brands: Choose products from companies prioritizing regenerative sourcing. Your purchasing decisions can shape the industry towards more environmentally friendly practices.
Engage in Local Cleanup Efforts: Join or organize local beach and ocean cleanup events. Direct action in your community contributes to the overall health of marine ecosystems.
Join Third Coast Superior in safeguarding the seas for generations to come. Answer the call to action and be the change the oceans desperately need.
Steven L. Peyer