Yesterday was good news (William Shatner speaking out against salmon farms and their impact on wild salmon populations).
Today, two new and sobering reasons to fear for the future of these iconic Pacific Coast fish:
First, a report that rising seagull populations may be contributing to the decline of salmon in California. this is not good news for fish already struggling to overcome the impacts of logging & dams on their spawning streams, and of climate-related changes in their food supply once they make it to the ocean.
Second, from Alaska -- where salmon have been relatively abundant and well-managed, news that their numbers are also in decline. The potential culprit: Pollock fleets that are snagging too many salmon as bycatch. (Bycatch of salmon is one reason the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Oceana have raised an objection to potential Marine Stewardship Council certification of the Pacific hake fishery.)
What can you do? Keep using your Seafood Watch pocket guide or iPhone app, and tell your friends to join you. Each time you buy seafood, you cast a vote with your dollars for fish that are caught or farmed in ways that promote healthy ocean ecosystems.
Comments