I found some interesting news yesterday. Turns out that Canada will not support a UN mortatorium on bottom trawling. They are one of the few countries who refuse to sign.
Some countries that are on board? USA, Australia, France, Germany.
So it's not like all the cool kids aren't doing it...in fact all the cool kids DID do it...but Canada is apparently TOO COOL to save marine life..
For those are you who don't know what bottom trawling is
It is essentially the clear cutting of the ocean floor. Not only is the habitat left completely stripped and void of coral and other marine life (thereby preventing any OTHER life from returning to the area) The nets capture everything. So while they might be trawling for Red Snapper, they will also catch sea turtles, anemones, crabs, shrimp, sea cucumbers. EVERYTHNG that is down there will end up in the net.
Once the net is brought up on the boat, only the fish (or whatever is being hunted) will be kept. Resulting in a total waste of life for all the animals caught and not wanted.
Article on bottom trawling
I find it unbelievable that Canada is still on board with this dangerous and deadly practice. There are so many different species of aquatic plants and animals that are being needlessly destroyed.
What can you do?
First and foremost write to your MP. That's what they are there for.
Second. Buy/eat sustainable fish. If you aren't buying the products created from bottom trawling then you aren't supporting those companies. How can you find out? It's SO easy!
Oceanwise has a comprehensive list of sustainable choices, and for those living on the West Coast, a list of sustainable restaurants.
There's also a brand new app for the iPhone/iPod. Visit the app store and search for the Oceanwise app.
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