Happy World Ocean Day!

WOW!  Happy World Ocean Day totally creeped up on me this year.  Do you know what that means?  It means I live too far away from an ocean.  However, regardless of where you live, we all can do our part in protecting our oceans.

You might be thinking..."I don't live by an ocean so how can I do my part?"

Simply by being aware of the fish/seafood/sushi you buy....

Not all seafood is equal and consumers choice DO make a difference for ocean life. Today, many fishing practices worldwide are damaging our oceans, depleting fish populations, destroying habitats, and polluting the water.  With many populations of fish currently in a state of stress it is our job as consumers to insure that what we are buying is environmentally friendly seafood.

How do you do this?

The answer is....easily!

First, make sure the seafood you are about to purchase is from a healthy population and harvested in a sustainable non-destructive manner.  In the case of farmed/fatten fish (aquaculture, mariculture) the seafood should not be fed with endangered wild fish and the farm should not be an ecological hazard (e.g. pollution, risk of escaping fish) to the surrounding environment.  Secondly, buy locally caught or raised seafood rather than imported; this helps reduce the carbon footprint by cutting down on transportation fuel.  

There is a handful of Non-Governmental Organization (NGOs) that provide lists on fish to eat and to avoid.  Aimed at consumers these lists are very basic and simple to use.  They are usually in some form of a color code - with green being good and red being AVOID!  Many of these NGOs provide a wallet size print out for FREE!  This way you can always carry the card with you and refer to it before you buy.

But, where can I get one of these most awesome free seafood friendly pocket guides?

Have no fear!  For I am here!

Just click on this link: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/cr_seafoodwatch/download.aspx
and then print out the region that pertains to your location.  It is suggested that if you live by a border of two regions to print out both regions.

But, I don't want to always carry around a piece a paper....

I have an solution for this too...man, am I good or what?

Seafood Watch now provides an application for the iPhone and Android.

Just click here to learn about downloading the application: http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_iPhone.aspx

Now you have no excuse as to why you can't buy environmentally friendly fish, seafood, or sushi!  Happy eating!

P.S. - One more suggestion for celebrating Happy World Earth Day.  If you have a child, or children, or are a child at heart most local zoos celebrate Happy World Earth Day with fun activities.

Check out this link to found local celebrations in your area (includes activities worldwide): http://worldoceansday.org/?page_id=122

Enjoy celebrating!