In order to prevent the species of fish from being wiped out, campaigners are working towards educating the consumers on various sustainable ways of eating fish.
Many people are aware of the benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids, which is an essential component of fish. Studies say that children who consume fish at least once a week sleep better and have IQ scores that are four points higher, in comparison to those, who eat fish less frequently or not at all. Also, it helps in improving the insulin sensitivity in the people with diabetes and increases serotonin levels.
The fact that more relished varieties are caught, frequently, even before they can breed, leads to a concerning dip in their numbers. To prevent species of fish from being wiped out, it is very important to generate awareness and educates the consumers on what to eat in which season.
“KnowYourFish” is one such calendar that provides a very user-friendly platform to know more about the fish you are eating. The calendar, specifically, describes the breeding cycles of fish species, so the consumers can make a wise choice. It encourages people to spare the fish during their reproduction season and early stages of life so that their species can be protected and prevented from being extinct.
The varieties that should be scraped off this season:
If you are an inhabitant of the west coast of India, Mackerel needs to be left alone from the months of June to September. However; Squid, Tiger Prawns, Silver Pomfret, Kingfish, and Barramundi are good enough to intake.
Those who are living on the East coast of the country, InSeason Fish has a completely different calendar that puts Silver Pomfret, Whiting, Indian Halibut in the ‘avoid’ zone, and gives a go-ahead to eating Mackerel, Barracuda, and Indian White Prawn.
But in spite of the presence of a large variety of edible fish, most countries only consume a small percentage of those varieties, preferring to keep a limited palette, instead of an elaborate one. Seasonal choices aside, one can also take measures so as to have a sustainable fish diet.
- Swap Bluefin Tuna for the Omega-3 rich MackerelWhile Bluefin Tuna is a delicious fish, its numbers have decreased heavily in the Pacific with many environmental groups pushing for it to be declared an endangered species. Though the flavors and fatty texture of this fish may be hard to be substituted, its Omega-3 rich cousin, Mackerel can make for a responsible choice.
- Try Mussels and Give the Shrimp a Break An awful lot of shrimp fishing is done by trawling, which is a destructive method (environmentally) and even the farming is carried out under the horrendous conditions. Mussels are comparatively more sustainable, and healthier.
- Catfish may look ugly, it’s tempting in taste Though they can look quite repellant, the flaky and tender meat of catfish is delectable, and eating this fish is quite sustainable as well.
- It’s almost a mercy to eat the sturdy LionfishThere are some fish species like the venomous Lionfish that are highly invasive and harm a lot of flavored varieties such as the grouper. Lionfish have a sturdy texture and its meat can be blackened and can be very filling.