Seaspiracy: Not “Vegan Propaganda”

Murder. Human trafficking. Deceit. Lies. Corruption. Conspiracy. Coverup. These are just a few of the allegations made about the fishing industry in the Netflix documentary, Seaspiracy. Before the film was even released, the fishing industry came out swinging, calling it “vegan propaganda.” However, all it takes is a little bit of research to confirm that this is yet another lie from the fishing industry.

All documentaries are extreme because they are trying to get a point across. I always conduct followup research on every documentary I watch. In addition, I also look at both sides of an argument. As educated human beings, we should never just “take someone’s word for it.” But ironically, that is exactly what the fishing industry is asking us to do.

The Ocean

Oceans have a role in combating climate change. The oceans contribute to absorbing carbon dioxide and generating oxygen. If we want to protect the earth and reverse climate change, we must also protect the oceans.

An International Whaling Ban has been in place since 1986. However, several countries operate “under the radar.” And, the vastness of the oceans, along with millions of fishing vessels, make it nearly impossible to regulate and enforce. Seaspiracy discusses the mass slaughter of whales and dolphins every year in Taiji, Japan. Additionally, it covers the mass slaughter of sharks and other fish here as well. It was truly disturbing to witness the lengths to which the government and officials go to in order to cover up what is actually happening here.

Sharks help keep the ocean healthy and ecosystem alive. Sadly though, shark populations have drastically declined and many species are in danger of extinction. And, when sharks die, other creatures die as well.

The documentary best described it this way: sharks are at the top of the food chain (level 1). By eliminating or drastically reducing the number of sharks, larger fish that sharks normally eat (level 2) overpopulate. When these large fish overpopulate, their food–those fish smaller than them (level 3) are wiped out of the food chain. This process continues down the food chain to the smallest organisms.

Suggested reading:

• Sharks and How They Relate to the Plant Based Diet

Plastic

It is a well-known fact that plastic waste is a massive problem for the oceans and marine life. However, did you also know that a lot of that plastic waste comes from fishing nets and fishing gear?

So, Seaspiracy begs the question: why do campaigns focus so heavily on plastic straws? Because the fishing industry doesn’t want you to know that it is a large contributor to plastic waste.

We must all do our part to reduce plastic waste and discontinue the use of single-use plastic. However, we must also be aware of another massive problem: the fishing industry.

Suggested reading:

• 30 Ways to Cut Back on Plastic Use

“Boycotting plastic straws is like trying to stop the destruction of the Amazon rainforest by boycotting toothpicks.”

Bycatch

The fishing industry calls bycatch “accidental take.” Studies vary greatly on their estimations of percent of bycatch. However, the sad fact remains: millions of marine life are accidentally caught every year and thrown back in the ocean, dead or left to die an excruciating death. 

Overfishing is damaging the oceans

Coral reefs are dying all over the world. And, fish are vital to keeping the coral reefs alive. Fish populations are plummeting. Additionally, over a trillion fish are killed every year–that’s millions of fish killed every minute.

Studies have shown that if current fishing trends continue, the oceans may be virtually empty by 2048. And, that leaves poor fishing villages and other populations who need seafood to survive with little to no options.

Trawling is the most destructive form of fishing. Not only does it include mass amounts of bycatch, but it destroys the seafloor habitat and leaves a path of destruction. 

Huge numbers of people in coastal villages depend on fishing in order to feed their families. These fish are now being illegally stolen by large fishing operations. And, the fish populations are depleting rapidly. This will lead to hunger and starvation. Out of desperation, the people in these villages are turning to wild land animals for food. This has devastating effects on both wildlife and humans. In fact, bushmeat is likely the cause of ebola epidemics.

Suggested reading:

• 12 Environmental Benefits of a Plant Based Diet

“Saying it is more sustainable to eat salmon as opposed to bluefin tuna is like saying it’s more sustainable to shoot a polar bear as opposed to a panda bear.”

Fish farms

The fish farming industry claims to be eco-friendly and sustainable. After all, there is no bycatch, no illegal fishing, and no sea floor damage. However, farmed fish pose an entirely new list of issues.

Farmed fish are fed heavily processed feed made from dried fish meal and fish oil–both which require massive amounts of fish to produce. Additionally, farmed salmon are naturally grey. Artificial colorants are added to the feed in order to make the meat pink.

Further, infectious diseases and deadly illnesses are abundant in farmed fish. And, similar to the horrific practices of factory farming, fish farms operate in much the same way. Thousands of fish reside in small nets, swim in circles in their own filth, and die excruciating deaths from diseases or slaughter.

In fact, it is a common misconception that fish do not feel pain. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Fish have the same three kinds of pain receptors that humans have: physical, chemical, and heat. In addition, fish have a highly sensitive lateral line down their sides that senses the tiniest of movements in the water. 

Studies have shown that not only do fish feel pain, but they also experience fear. Fish have complex social lives, are intelligent, and have memory capabilities. They also make decisions and communicate, and they exhibit curiosity and concern.

Suggested reading:

• The Atrocities of Factory Farming

Fishing Industry Corruption

I have watched many documentaries about factory farming and veganism. They’re disturbing and sometimes surprising. But, I was not prepared for the shock-factor that Seaspiracy presents. On multiple occasions, I was left with my jaw dropped, eyes wide, and shocked to my core.

I don’t want to give too much away, because I believe everyone needs to see this documentary. Just be warned: the stories are deeply troubling, with stunning accusations and startling facts.

Seaspiracy

The good news is: marine ecosystems are able to bounce back and recover quickly–if they are allowed to.

While Seaspiracy is a highly captivating film, the main thing I don’t like is, for the most part, they do not state their sources. However, with more research, I was able to corroborate most of the main points from the film.

Turning a blind eye is no longer acceptable. We must take a look at hard truths and take responsibility for our actions.

Seaspiracy is not vegan propaganda. It is full of hard truths.

So, have you watched Seaspiracy yet? Agree or disagree, what were your thoughts? Sound off in the comments below!

Seaspiracy is now streaming on Netflix.

“Most of the positive and negative things that bring about change in human civilization start with someone. Some ‘one.’ And no one can do everything, but every one can do something. Big ideas make a big difference.” –Dr. Sylvia Earle

* Quotes taken from the documentary, Seaspiracy.