2 Food For Thought - Overfishing

This is my weekly Think About It post.  I know I know... it's not a pretty cupcake, cheesy sandwich, or flavorful meatball.  But I think it's important and we should talk about it.  This is real.

I belong to Surfrider Foundation and get their weekly Soup newsletter.  This week there was an article about over-fishing and it got my attention because I was so so guilty!  I'm totally not okay with that and am so glad I'm aware now and can change my habits.

So here's what they said...

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First ocean species we're consuming at an enormous rate is the Green Urchin.  Did you know these Urchins live off the coast of Maine? I had NO idea!

Someone did because in 1994 fisherman hauled in 40 million pounds or $33 million dollars worth, in ONE year.  For serious.  These guys are pretty small...40 million pounds is a lot of urchins.  I still don't have my head wrapped around that.  

And all for sushi!  And you know what?  I ordered it.  Shakes head in shame.  My innocent cucumber roll looks so much more appealing now...

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The Shark.  This has been discussed for years, mostly to do with finning (which is when the sharks are caught, the fins cut off and the live shark dumped back in the ocean fin-less) so sad.  

Again...guilty.  Not very often, but I have eaten at The Shark in Ocean City and ordered Mako.  Now I'm informed and have much better options to order...like scallops, wild caught Salmon, shellfish, etc.   

Other species in danger include Blue Fin Tuna, Chilean Sea Bass, and Orange Roughy.  

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A fabulous guide can be found at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Guide.

They have a sushi guide, regional guide (shown above), Chart of Alternatives and all sorts of information goodies.

As always, completely open to all points of views and info on these posts.  It's all just food for thought!