Eco-Friendly Products

The farming of seafood for human consumption has some environmental issues linked with the industry. When it comes to the different type of seafood being fished and the tools that are used in the process, some processes are more sustainable then others. When choosing the sustainable option in seafood you need to take into account certain factors, such as the waste and chemicals in the water, destruction of natural habitats, and overfishing. The choices we make in our seafood choices are important to our health and environment, just the same as if we choose reusable bags over plastic or paper bags.

One of the concerns that are raised within the fishing industry and its impact on the environment is the threat of harm to the population and habitats of marine life. When using methods that catch a large amount of seafood, such as nets or cages, animals that are caught that are too small or unmarketable are discarded and left to die. This results in quite a bit of waste every year. This process is known as Bycatch. All types of marine life are caught when these fishing methods are used, even if they are not meant to be caught. This can lead to the unintentional catching of marine life such as dolphins, sea turtles and seals. There are environmentally safe ways of fishing for seafood that have a minimal impact on the habitats of marine life. These methods include harpooning, small traps and hook and line fishing. A seafood guide that has been produced by the Seafood Watch program recommends environmentally safe ways in which to fish for seafood.

Certain varieties of fish are at risk of their numbers diminishing caused by overfishing. This has occurred by fish being caught at a quicker rate then the fish can reproduce or their habitats have been damaged due to fishing practices. Some of these species include blue fin tuna, cod and West coast rock fish.

Farming of shellfish has a minor impact on the environment as farming can input sustainable sources such as water reticulation systems through separate tanks. The only impact that they may cause the environment is if certain fish that are farmed in ocean cages, such as salmon. Farmed salmon have a different diet then wild salmon so their wastes are different and may cause contamination to wild salmon in their natural habitat.

The Seafood Watch Program recommends ways to fish that will not endanger species of fish or their habitats. The program also advises that when choosing farmed fish to chose seafood that has not been fed an excess of wild fish, and whose waste and disease management plans are in place so that no threat is posed on habitats. To prevent contamination on our waterways it is recommended that reusable shopping bags are used in place of plastic bags that are very dangerous to waterways and the sea life who inhabit those waterways.