I have just watched about 1/3 of Seaspiracy and I have already come to a new decision: I am going to aim to severely limit my purchase and consumption of Industrial Fish. I have already severely limited my purchase/consumption of Industrial Meats: chicken, pork, beef. Now I can see it’s time to do the same with fish.
I am familiar with the producers of Seaspiracy because I watched Cowspiracy.
However, there are some differences for me with each film. I believe we have more direct control and have more ability to sustainably raise our domestic animals such as cows, pigs, and chickens. So I do not subscribe to the concept of going vegan to save our planet as I felt the Cowspiracy film was offering us as a solution.
What I found in common with both films is the obvious power that both Industrial Agriculture and Industrial Fishing wield in our country and around the world. In each film you see even conservation groups hesitant to speak out on certain “sensitive” topics that would ignite retaliation from the powerful corporate entities with major interests in Industrial Beef and Fish production. In fact, the interviews I watched in Seaspiracy suggested real fear from the interviewees when talking about the potential health impact of Industrial Fishing on the ocean and hence our planet. I saw a fear of “igniting” anger and retaliation from the Industrial Fishing Corporate interests and their associated oligarchs in the body language and verbal responses from the interviewees.
Now I am not a Marine Biologist; in fact, I have a very small scientific background. So I cannot begin to judge the details of the facts and arguments in Seaspiracy. Yet I am a major follower of Quantum Physics and Systems Theory. So I am using my general background in those areas and my long time interest and self education in sustainable and healthy foods to make some new decisions based on my viewing of Seaspiracy. I do believe that as one person I can model and hopefully add to a collective movement of people that eat and live more mindfully of our impact, and therefore, our place and relationship amongst all that creates planet earth—living and nonliving.
Just like with my decisions regarding Beef, Pork, and Chicken, I am going to make similar decisions with most of the Fish I consume.
- I buy my Beef, Pork, and Chicken from small farmers unless I am eating out. Then I try to buy my meals from fabulous places like the Astoria Coop, the Blue Scorcher, or an occasional selected food source that is small and authentic and personable such as Pho Hoai or a local business that uses a large number of local ingredients: such as Burgerville and McMenamins.
- Whether I buy prepared food from one of my selected establishments or I cook at home, I try to spread my animal protein load out so that a typical American quantity of meat or fish will supply me with an additional 2 meals. I try to eat meat and fish in quantities that look closer to portions used in most other parts of the world. I aim to have meat function as a flavoring or a condiment that enhances my whole grains and vegetables.
- I am going to seek out individuals and families that fish. This may take some time. However, I have the advantage of living in the Coast Range of Oregon. I am going to learn my sources from local seafood markets and choose carefully.
Just like with my approach to all Industrial Foods, I will seek/aim to achieve my mission of being a responsible member of this planet knowing that my path and actions may not be perfect but will be constantly guided by my goals/mission.
Also, here is another important perspective to consider—and therefore an important source of information— the movie “The Corporation.” This movie reminds us that Corporations have one major goal: to make money for themselves and their investors. Their vision and strategies are short term. They must always look profitable even if it means a long term depletion/destruction of natural resources. That is the Capitalistic system we currently have in place.
There have been several sources that suggest that if we can—as individual and collective consumers--even partially correct our unsustainable habits we can go a long ways towards healing/saving the ecosystems of our planet.
I have also added a link to the movie “Ethos.” Ethos ties together many of the pieces/concepts I have been presenting. So if you are wanting an increased perspective on/regarding our challenges for now and for the future: the full “Ethos” movie is in this link. However, I think you would get better video quality—like full screen— if you watch it outside this diary.
Seaspiracy:
The Corporation:
Ethos