Introduction:
The consumer culture of fish has increased a significant amount, which is leading to barren aquatic ecosystems. The topic that will be explored throughout this case study is the overconsumption of fish. Seafood including fish have many beneficial components that positively affect humans and the environment. They are a good source of protein and other vitamins that are essential for a healthy lifestyle for many individuals around the world and they also provide the aquatic ecosystem with balance. Unfortunately, due to the increased consumer culture and overconsumption, fish and other seafood are becoming overfished which is threatening the environment and many individuals that rely on fish as their main protein source. 70 percent of the Earth consists of oceans and other bodies of water, so the aquatic ecosystem is immensely important to our planets composition. This case study will explore the importance of fish, the key environmental and social problems, the solutions and the sociological concepts that are used to analyze the topic of overconsumption of fish.
Problems:
There are many social and environmental problems linked to the overconsumption of fish in mainstream society. The incredible demand for fish is resulting in overfishing in many regions which is extremely detrimental to aquatic life. Overfishing is “capturing more and more fish at a rate that is much faster than they can reproduce and replenish the water bodies with more fish” (Jetson 2014). Overfishing is a severe environmental problem due to the harm it causes to aquatic ecosystems. The disruption of the food chain caused by the decline of top predators such as tuna and sharks can lead to an overabundance of smaller prey which then, in turn, may lead to an imbalance in the aquatic ecosystem (WWF 2018). As the demand for sushi increases, fish such as the Bluefin tuna are becoming overfished leading them to become endangered. This effects apex predators because without their food source they also start to dwindle. Overfishing is one of the greatest threat to our oceans. This problem is not going away and needs to be acknowledged if there can be any hope to redo the damage we have already done.
The second issue is a social problem that relates overconsumption of fish to the decline of food security and increased poverty of people in developing nations, especially the Global South. Many individuals in developing nations depend on seafood as their main source of protein. If the supply of fish decreases the cost of seafood will rise, this issue may lead to a larger crisis for these individuals who will not be able to afford to purchase something that they depend on so heavily. Individuals in developing nations such as the Philippines cannot afford to consume fish as part of their diets (Kent 1997). Many individuals in the Global North are consuming a significant amount of fish out of choice, therefore, limiting the fish intake that individuals in the Global South require as part of their daily diet. As the overconsumption of fish continues to increase at an exponential rate, the fish population will become diminished causing price increases, lower quality and quantities for individuals in developing nations. These nations must inevitably rely on other foods to get the nutrients needed for survival. The sociological concept that will be used to analyze the problem of food security and poverty is globalization, which is described as the interconnectedness of people and nations via political, social, environment and economic process (Johnston, Cairns and Baumann 2017:13). Globalization is widening the wage gap, so the upper and middle class now have the means and are willing to pay more money to get better quality fish. Due to free trade and globalization, the barriers are lower meaning that more countries have the incentive to ship their products to bigger markets in developed nations. The poor are getting poor because their jobs are being outsourced and they cannot compete with the global north. Due to the outsourcing, individuals in developing nations will not be able to purchase quality fish, so they buy low-quality fish, that contain more toxins. This is bad because their food source is starting to dwindle and therefore poverty is present.
Another social problem relating to the overconsumption of fish is the depletion of our oceans which is negatively affecting the livelihoods of many local and industrial harvesters. The decline of fish is a severe problem where fishermen who do not have sufficient skills or available training find it difficult to transition into another career (Government of Canada 2009). Additionally, the loss of jobs in the fishing industry can negatively affect many nations’ economies. Loss of jobs equates to a loss of revenue, which affects countries ability to expand their infrastructures. Capitalism is a key concept that can be used to analyze the loss of jobs in the fishing industry. Capitalism is defined as a system that allows private sector businesses to operate solely for profit (Johnston et al. 2017:10). The goal of industrial fishing companies is to make a profit, so they set unrealistic quotas for their fisherman. This may lead to future unemployment issues for industrial fisherman. The first issue is overfishing creates less fish meaning the demand for fisherman are decreasing. The second issue is the supply of fish is dwindling therefore leaving fisherman unable to meet their quotas, which in turn leads to unemployment.
Solutions:
The overconsumption of seafood will continue to threaten our ecosystems if drastic strategies are not implemented. The first solution that can help control the overconsumption of fish, is making wise decisions in terms of consumption, such as avoid eating predatory fish such as tuna and sharks; which are nearing endangerment (Revolution 2018). “The populations of predatory fishes, such as tunas, sharks, and marlins, have dropped 90%” (Kemmerer 2016). I have personally tried this solution for two weeks, it required some effort, but I had successful results. Avoiding tuna was especially challenging because it is a very common fish, for example, sushi is a popular choice of cuisine for many individuals including myself. This is leading to a significant amount of overfishing to fulfil the demand. If society limits the amount of tuna consumed the tuna population will have time to recover from the effects of overfishing. In addition, individuals should stop consuming predatory fish because they contain high levels of toxins such as mercury that is deemed unsafe for pregnant women and children (PBS 2009).
The second solution that can help control the overconsumption of fish is to create more marine protected areas which is a structural solution. A marine protected area is an oceanic area that will be closed for recreational and industrial fishing and it will also be protected and monitored by law enforcement (Kemmerer 2016). By creating more marine protected areas, the fish population of that certain area will have time to regenerate without the interruption of industrialized fishing. The constant monitoring can ensure that fishing vessels are following the rules which in turns helps control overfishing and overconsumption and can ensure that future generations can reap the benefits of these protein enriched animals.
The last solution is a critical structural solution and it is to educate the public about this problem. It is critical for people to understand the importance of the ocean so that they can help protect it as well (UNESCO 2018). By raising awareness of the overconsumption of fish, individuals might change their consumption habits for the better, which can help protect our depleting oceans. Educating individuals at a young age allows for the development of future conservationists and technology that can be used protect our dwindling oceans.
Sociological Concepts
The sociological concept that will be used to analyze the problem of the overconsumption of fish is Karl Marx’s theory of Commodity Fetishism, which “draws our attention to the relations and conditions of production that are often invisible when the final product appears on a store shelf” (Johnston et al. 2017:56). The myth of a never-ending ocean is ingrained into our subconscious, but the reality is that the ocean cannot keep up with our consumption habits, therefore it will continue to diminish if individuals do not become aware. Sushi has long been an obsession of mainstream society, however, individuals that indulge in this popular cuisine are most likely unaware of the process that is involved in preparing this dish. Individuals are becoming extremely immersed in the culinary experience of sushi that they may not be conscious of the thought process that went into catching that fish or the effects of how the removal of that fish from their habit can impart the oceanic ecosystem at large.
The second concept that will be used to analyze the problem of overconsumption of fish is the theory of conspicuous consumption which is defined as luxury goods that are consumed/purchased and/or displayed, in order to segregate the social elites from the working class (Johnston et al. 2017:83). Seafood in general is extremely expensive especially fresh fish, lobster/crab and sushi, making it a go to food for upper class individuals (Barrie 2016). Authentic sushi that uses the finest and freshest cuts of raw fish to create a culinary masterpiece that social elites can enjoy. Seafood such as lobster and sushi is seen as conspicuous consumption because it is a luxury that displays power and wealth by social elites. However, this Japanese cuisine has been passed down to individuals of lower status in the western culture in which it is mass marketed and consumed. The conspicuous consumption of seafood has caused an expenditure cascade because now the accessibility of sushi is extremely readily available in places such as the gas station and supermarkets at an incredibly low price. This is contributing to the overconsumption of fish because individuals mainly in the western society are consuming sushi at an increasing rate, since it is cheaper and more available, in order to keep up with social elites.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the overconsumption of fish is ruining the largest ecosystem on the planet, in addition, it is creating food shortage and poverty in developing nations. If we do not change our consumption habits, the end of seafood will occur in approximately 29 years, hindering future generations from experiencing the positives that fish can provide. Mainstream society lives in a world where overconsumption is a lifestyle and a norm, but similar to clothing the overconsumption of fish can leave our planet with more problems than solutions. If society keeps up this habit of the overconsumption of fish, individuals will eventually witness a monumental collapse of an ecosystem that is not only full of mystery and beauty but an ecosystem that also controls the oxygen and temperature levels on land. There are many solutions to reduce the overconsumption of seafood, but humanity must be willing to make the effort in order to witness change.