When consumers shop for fish or order it in restaurants, they can use this list as a guide. The United States must take a leadership role in securing prompt and effective implementation of the new global treaty governing international fishing. This groundbreaking treaty, ratified by the U.S. just last year, can help protect fish important to this country but caught beyond our waters, including tuna, swordfish, and some populations of cod and other groundfish. International standards should be set for environmentally sound aquaculture which, if properly conducted, could help relieve pressure on wild fish populations. Unfortunately, current marine aquaculture practices in many parts of the world weaken wild fish populations when they destroy or pollute vital habitat or when escaped farmed fish outcompete or spread disease to native sea life.
Marine fisheries are a vital economic, ecological, and food resource.
The good news is that most depleted fish populations will bounce back if fishing pressure on them is reduced and habitat protected. Restoring marine fisheries to sustainability will help meet the food needs of billions of people worldwide and will protect a key component of the complex ocean ecosystems that sustain life on earth.