Be informed
Read up a bit on the issues of overfishing, have a look at some articles on this site, see if you can find some information regarding your local situation. Keep in mind that while this is a global problem every local situation is different.
Know what your eating
Buy your seafood from fisheries using non destructive fishing techniques. A wallet-sized, easy to use list of fish that are caught in a sustainable fashion and are not toxic or hazardous to your health, can be down loaded from the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch. Another good source of information is the Seafood Choices Alliance.
Good fish choices to eat:
- Arctic Char (farmed)
- Barramundi (US farmed)
- Catfish (US farmed)
- Clams, Mussels, Oyster (farmed)
- Cod: Pacific (US non-trawled)
- Crab: Dungeness, Stone
- Halibut: Pacific (US)
- Lobster: California Spiny (US)
- Perch: Yellow (Lake Erie)
- Sablefish/ Black Cod (Alaska & Canada)
- Salmon (Alaska Wild)
- Sardines: Pacific (US)
- Scallops (farmed)
- Striped bass (farmed & wild)
- Tilapia (US farmed)
- Trout: Rainbow (US farmed)
- Tuna: Albacore (Canada & US Pacific, troll/pole)
- Tuna: Skipjack, Yellowfin (US troll/pole)
- Whitefish: Lake (Lake Huron & Superior)
- Whitefish: Lake (Lake Michigan, trap-net)
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Use fewer plastic products
Plastics that end up as ocean debris contribute to habitat destruction and entangle and kill tens of thousands of marine animals each year. To limit your impact, carry a reusable water bottle, store food in nondisposable containers, bring your own reusable bag when shopping, and recycle whenever possible.
Help take care of the beach
Whether you enjoy diving, surfing, or relaxing on the beach, always clean up after yourself. Explore and appreciate the ocean without interfering with wildlife or removing rocks and coral. Go even further by encouraging others to respect the marine environment or by participating in local beach cleanups.
Don't purchase items that exploit marine life
Certain products contribute to the harming of fragile coral reefs and marine populations. Avoid purchasing items such as coral jewelry, tortoiseshell hair accessories (made from hawksbill turtles), and shark products.
Support Organizations working to protect the ocean
Many institutes and organizations are fighting to protect ocean habitats and marine wildlife. Find a national organization and consider giving financial support or volunteering for hands-on work or advocacy. If you live near the coast, join up with a local branch or group and get involved in projects close to home.
Travel the ocean responsibly
Practice responsible boating, kayaking, and other recreational activities on the water. Never throw anything overboard, and be aware of marine life in the waters around you. If you’re set on taking a cruise for your next vacation, do some research to find the most eco-friendly option.