Where Does the Responsability of Consreving Ocean Life Lies

Going to a Japanese restaurant for Bluefin tuna sushi or a fish and chip restaurant for Atlantic cod is a luxury that many people enjoy. However, these consumers may not know that they are eating endangered species. Do consumers put too much trust in the government and fisheries? Should they pay more attention to the source of their food? This essay will address the issue of where the responsibility of conserving ocean-life lies. The responsible parties are national governments, fisheries, and consumers. If these parties have an interest in the future of sea-life, the fishing industry, and seafood, then they all need to take responsibility for protecting endangered species from overfishing.

Most governments see conserving nature, protecting the environment, and saving at-risk wildlife as important world-issues. However, when it comes to the fishing industry, many countries, including Canada, act contrary to this belief. For example, in 2010, when the United States and the European Union tried to put Atlantic Bluefin tuna on the list of endangered wildlife at an international convention, Canada voted against it (Galloway, 2012). Furthermore, in 2011, the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada (COSEWIC) reported to the Department of Fisheries and Oceans that Atlantic Bluefin tuna should be listed as an endangered species because of overfishing (Galloway). Despite this advice, until today, the Atlantic Bluefin tuna is not on the endangered species list in Canada ("Canadian Wildlife"). Government ministers ignored the objective scientific report prepared by COSEWIC, which showed that the Atlantic Bluefin are endangered (COSEWIC, 2011). Instead, ministers chose to base their decision on subjective anecdotal evi...

... middle of paper ...

...bergris (from whales)?" In Canada, consumers can look for a SeaChoice label or a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label on seafood packages, if they want to buy sustainable seafood. By allowing overfishing concerns to influence their choices, consumers can do more to help conserve endangered species.

Countries, fisheries, and consumers all need to share the responsibility for conserving endangered marine life. First, governments should base their policies on scientific factors and should look for better economic incentives to stop fisheries from overfishing. Second, fisheries should use methods that are not so destructive to the fish population. Finally, consumers should avoid buying endangered seafood, even if they have to pay a little more. If these parties recognize that it is worthwhile to conserve marine species, then they must accept this responsibility.