Ending Destructive Fishing Practices to Protect Marine Life

This project aims to transform destructive fishing methods by educating retailers and consumers about misleading seafood labels while promoting responsible consumption.

Since 1950, intensive industrial fishing has led to a 90% decline in populations of large fish such as cod, halibut, sharks, and tuna. In addition to the overexploitation of more than one-third of global fish stocks, climate change has triggered marine heatwaves that now occur twice as often as they did in 1982, creating low-oxygen “dead zones” in the oceans.

The balance of marine ecosystems—threatened by both climate change and harmful fishing practices—cannot be restored without structural changes in the fishing industry and greater consumer awareness.

Putting pressure on consumers to hold brands and major retailers accountable is a key strategy for driving reform in the fishing sector. Today, many shoppers are misled by seafood labels that claim “sustainable fishing” practices, despite the widespread presence of fraudulent certifications.

Through education and awareness, consumers can learn to recognize and evaluate these labels, change their purchasing habits, and play an active role in supporting low-impact, environmentally friendly fishing.