Andrew Aylett

Overfishing is widely acknowledged as the greatest single threat to marine wildlife and habitats, yet it rarely makes mainstream headlines.

Research has warned of the global collapse of all species that are currently fished and recent estimates show that up to 90 percent of all large fishes have disappeared from the world's oceans in the past half century. The dramatic loss of such a large abundance of apex predators like sharks, tuna, swordfish and marlin is likely to have major impacts on the world oceans, the extent of which remains unknown.

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations report that nearly 80% of the world's fish stocks are now fully fished, over-fished, or depleted and at the current rate of loss it is feared that the oceans may never recover.

People all around the world are recognising the crisis of overfishing and its impact on the world's oceans. In response to this growing public concern the Australian Marine Conservation Society has recently released the Australian Sustainable Seafood Guide. This Seafood Guide, now also available online, is Australia's first online resource for consumers seeking to make sustainable seafood choices. It provides insight into the sustainability of over 100 seafood species commonly found at our fishmongers and in our supermarkets, fish and chip shops and restaurants. It uses a simple ‘traffic light' system to empower us, the consumer, with the ability to make informed choices about our seafood purchases.

Studies show time and again that the public wants our oceans better protected. As consumers we can begin to dictate and drive the market towards sustainable fishing practices. With the use of innovative guides like the Australian Sustainable Seafood Guide we can begin to make informed seafood choices. And through the power of our wallets we can begin to influence the actions of the fishing industry and sow the seeds for a truly sustainable fisheries future.

For further information on the Australian Sustainable Seafood Guide please visit the Australian Marine Conservation Society website www.marineconservation.gov.au or Ripple Effect Oceanwear www.reow.com.au.