Saturday, March 14, 2009

A Healthy Ocean is Good For Everyone

Oceans cover 70% of our Earth, however, today our ocean's are in serious trouble. Industrial fishing within the past 15 years has actually depleted around 90% of large predatory ocean fish. Fisheries are on the verge of causing entire ecosystem collapses. They are destroying natural habitats that are vital for the survival of countless forms of life. Irresponsible harvesting has led to more fish being take out of the sea than those being produced; often fisheries will recklessly cull thousands upon thousands of fish, meaning they don't have time to reproduce.

However, sustainable seafood options do exist. It's up to all of us to ensure that the fisheries the supply us with our fish engage in sustainable practices. If we are more aware of what's going on, we can all enjoy natural sustainable seafood.

Alaska is leading the way. The Alaskan fishing industry is highly controlled and regulated. Fisheries have established marine protected areas to protect fragile ecosystems. Fishing boats do not engage in reckless bottom trawling. They use hooks and lines rather than open water net pens. Alaskan fishers seek to reduce the amount of bycatch fish. Protecting future fish stocks is more important than commercial gains. The government of Alaska works hand in hand with fishers to make sure that Alaska's underwater habitats remain intact and unharmed from development.

Alaska's fisheries carefully manage their catch. They stick to limits and quotas. They obey restrictions on boat size and fishing gear. There are also license limitations, which allow only so many fisheries to catch fish. Alaska, moreover performs numerous scientific studies to assess fish stock numbers and to predict future quotas.

Alaska's diligence in providing natural sustainable seafood can be followed. We as consumers can aid in the effort by paying closer attention to our own choices. We can for example, choose to eat locally caught, fresh seafood that has been greenlisted. We can choose to avoid restaurants that don't serve natural sustainable seafood. We as consumers can also get involved with nonprofits, through donations or by offering volunteer services.

Helping our oceans survive something we can all take part in. By making wiser, more informed choices, natural sustainable seafood will be a ubiquitous fact.

Alaska is home to an abundant variety of seafood, and offers some of the purest marine, freshwater, and upland habitats on the planet.

From the clear crystal waters comes seafood that is delicious and healthy. Alaskan seafood is low in fat but big on flavor and Omega-3 oils. You can study thousands of pages of nutritional research. Or, simply observe the amazing health and longevity of people in countries where seafood is the most important part of their diet. Either way, Alaska seafood is as healthy as it is delicious.

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