Pros and Cons of Fishing
People who exclude animal products from their diets for reasons of animal welfare have identified fishing as a major violation of humane expectations. They claim that the fish die a slow and painful death from suffocation, and that having a lure stuck through their mouth is unacceptable torture. I bring this up as yet another vegan myth to debunk! The major reason that these claims are not true is that fish do not process pain. This is a really controversial debate, even within the agricultural industry. It’s understandably an area of research with many obstacles: animals can’t just say, “Ow! That hurts!” |
Photo from http://weknownyourdreamz.com/fishing.html
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However, a great deal of research has identified the more primal characteristics of these amphibious nervous systems in comparison to as humans. For example, one study led by Prof. Dr. Robert Arlinghaus from the Humboldt University in Berlin discussed the effects of fish not having a neocortex, which is where pain sensations are processed in the human brain. Another review authored by Brian Key explored the fact that fish simply aren’t cerebrally advanced enough to be aware of sensations.
Realizing that fishing is not a violation of animal welfare, it’s important to recognize all of the social benefits of encouraging angling. Many of these advantages are shared with hunting, which I explored a while back (read about it here), such as enjoying the outdoors, learning about wildlife, and escaping the stresses of day-to-day life. Another advantage that hunting and fishing share is their contributions to the economy:
Realizing that fishing is not a violation of animal welfare, it’s important to recognize all of the social benefits of encouraging angling. Many of these advantages are shared with hunting, which I explored a while back (read about it here), such as enjoying the outdoors, learning about wildlife, and escaping the stresses of day-to-day life. Another advantage that hunting and fishing share is their contributions to the economy:
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http://www.experienceketchikan.com/ketchikan-employment.html
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Furthermore, seafood is a great source of nutritious meals because it’s low in fat yet high in many nutrients. In fact, fish is often considered the best sort of Omega-3 fatty acids, or “good fats.” It’s also a great resource for people on coastlines where the land might not be farmable: over 3.5 billion people across the world rely on the ocean as their primary source of food.
However, there are reasons to be concerned about fishing. From a sustainability point of view, aquatic ecosystems are disappearing, opening the door for many biological and geological consequences. There are many laws in place protecting salt water species, but they are rarely enforced. One issue is the discrepancy between what countries own certain waters, and whose job it is to protect specific regions of the oceans. It’s no secret that foreign relations are rocky all across the world, and ocean protection has fallen to the bottom of most politicians’ agendas. However, losing fish species could not only mean no seafood in the future, but also climatic disturbances that could affect citizens of all nations. One way farmers have tried to step in is in the form of aquaculture, a large portion of which is growing fish in man-made ecosystems, then harvesting them for sale, very similar to raising livestock.
In conclusion, fishing should not be considered cruel, but policies regarding it should be restructured and enforced to promote eco-friendly practices. Fishing is an outstanding attribute to the economy, to public health, and to personal morale, and, when done in accordance to the law, is a very worthwhile pass-time.
However, there are reasons to be concerned about fishing. From a sustainability point of view, aquatic ecosystems are disappearing, opening the door for many biological and geological consequences. There are many laws in place protecting salt water species, but they are rarely enforced. One issue is the discrepancy between what countries own certain waters, and whose job it is to protect specific regions of the oceans. It’s no secret that foreign relations are rocky all across the world, and ocean protection has fallen to the bottom of most politicians’ agendas. However, losing fish species could not only mean no seafood in the future, but also climatic disturbances that could affect citizens of all nations. One way farmers have tried to step in is in the form of aquaculture, a large portion of which is growing fish in man-made ecosystems, then harvesting them for sale, very similar to raising livestock.
In conclusion, fishing should not be considered cruel, but policies regarding it should be restructured and enforced to promote eco-friendly practices. Fishing is an outstanding attribute to the economy, to public health, and to personal morale, and, when done in accordance to the law, is a very worthwhile pass-time.
Fisheries, NOAA. "NOAA Report Finds Commercial and Recreational Saltwater Fishing Generated $199 Billion in 2011 NOAA
Fisheries." NOAA. NOAA, 07 Mar. 2013. Web. 03 May 2017.
Key, Brian. "Why Fish (likely) Don't Feel Pain." Scientia Salon. Massimo, 10 Feb. 2015. Web. 03 May 2017.
Oken, Emily, MD MPH. "Seafood Health Benefits & Risks." CHGE Harvard. Center for Health and the Global Environment, n.d.
Web. 03 May 2017.
"Overview." Governement of Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Communications Directorate. Government of Canada, 02
May 2016. Web. 03 May 2017.
Fisheries." NOAA. NOAA, 07 Mar. 2013. Web. 03 May 2017.
Key, Brian. "Why Fish (likely) Don't Feel Pain." Scientia Salon. Massimo, 10 Feb. 2015. Web. 03 May 2017.
Oken, Emily, MD MPH. "Seafood Health Benefits & Risks." CHGE Harvard. Center for Health and the Global Environment, n.d.
Web. 03 May 2017.
"Overview." Governement of Canada, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Communications Directorate. Government of Canada, 02
May 2016. Web. 03 May 2017.
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