Research the impacts of aquaculture before eating farmed fish

Cherry Blossoms, Japan
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller

At present, fish farming accounts for 43% of the world's fish production. This is unlikely to change as the world's demand for fish grows along with its population, and many wild species continue to be in peril because of over-fishing. Aquaculture is often criticized for its negative environmental impacts: To produce 1 pound of farmed salmon, 3 pounds of wild-caught fish are needed to provide meal and oil. And, like all intensive farming, fish farming uses chemicals and antibiotics, which affect humans.

There is such a thing as sustainable aquacultures: Tilapia, catfish and many varieties of shellfish can often be farmed safely. Organizations like Seafood Watch and the Marine Stewardship Council have developed strict criteria for sustainable fish farming and offer advice to the public about how to choose the best fish. Look out for their logos on the fish you buy.

- from the book '365 Ways to Save the Earth', by Philippe Bourseiller