There are vast differences between industrially farmed finfish and sustainably harvested wild seafood. Dive into this op-ed in The Seattle Times by Katie Harris, which talks about why choosing underutilized species like sablefish is a smart move to for healthy marine ecosystems and local communities. The Domestic Seafood Production Act (DSPA) would limit industrial-scale offshore finfish farms while also increasing funding support for community-based wild fisheries.

Key Points:

Environmental Impact:

• Industrially farmed finfish, like salmon, can cause diseases, pollution, and disrupt marine ecosystems.

Benefits of Values-Based Seafood:

• Supporting values-based fisheries and consuming underutilized wild species, such as sablefish, supports biodiversity and healthier marine habitats.

Legislative Actions:

• The Domestic Seafood Production Act invests in coastal communities and working waterfronts, while blocking the development of intensive finfish farming in federal waters.

Economic and Cultural Impact:

• Community-based wild fisheries are crucial for coastal economies and fishing communities’ cultural practices.

Consumer Choice:

• Choosing underutilized, sustainably sourced wild seafood helps protect marine ecosystems and support local fishing communities.

The op-ed explains that while industrial finfish farms might seem like a quick solution, they have serious downsides. In contrast, sustainable wild seafood choices help maintain ecological health and support communities that depend on traditional fishing practices. Dive in right here!

Photo caption and credit: A sablefish harvesting crew working off the coast of Alaska. (Fisher Curran / PGTSND Production)