Richard Leong 06-Jul-09 Planet ArkNEW YORK - If sushi lovers think the price of their favorite raw fish is too high already, then new documentary "The End of the Line" may shock them with its argument that the real cost may be some species' extinction.
The film from director Rupert Murray, which is playing in art houses in the United States and United Kingdom, makes the case that consumer ignorance, clout of the fishing industry, and rising sushi demand in the West are causing "crashes" of numerous fish populations, leading to their "collapse."
"Food is one of the ways we have a massive impact on the planet," Murray told Reuters about his movie, which is based on the book of the same name by U.K. journalist Charles Clover.
A dire prediction cited in the film is most seafood will disappear in 40 years if current fishing practices persist -- a forecast the fishing industry and officials dispute.
"All the federal (fish) stocks are trending in the right direction. Very few will be considered overfished," said Dan Furlong, executive director of the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council.
Indeed, U.S. fish stocks are better managed, such as those in Alaska, whose fishery program is shown in Murray's film.
But others species like the bluefin tuna and the Chilean sea bass -- have not been so lucky. Huge demand, plus questionable hunting practices, for these fish are pushing them near extinction, according to Murray.
"An industrial fleet can wipe out a species in about 10 years," he said.
Ironically, fewer big fish like bluefin tuna have led to increased supply of lobsters and shrimps, which big fish feast on. Scientists in the Murray's films, however, cautioned this rise in shellfish is temporary because they will eventually be overfished too.
"The food chain is the eco-system. I don't think we understand the impact of it (all)," Murray said.
Murray said seafood restaurants and celebrity chefs can play vital roles to promote responsible fishing.
In the film, Clover pursues Nobu, a well-known high-end sushi chain, to stop serving bluefin.
"We are not advocating giving up eating fish," Murray said. "If we fish it properly, it will be there forever. It's really a no-brainer really."
Despite his concerns, Murray said the tide may be turning.
"I'm very hopeful actually," he said. "We are just at the beginning of the line."
I'm eating a lot more beans these days :)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he has hope ...
ReplyDeleteOf course I'm wondering if he really does.
And if there are those that know reality sucks, it might be this COTO crowd. And in the end,how many of us out there, are there, that are crazy enough to speak it as it is?
My only answer is, never enough.
One of the things we studied at Institute for Environmental Alternatives (IEA), was Ocean bio-ecology, eco-system collapse, this was in 68'-70', and what we discovered back then left me with barely any hope.
Over the years, gaining other knowledge that can only be gained through experience, I've gained a deeper respect for resiliency of nature, with an equal disgust for what people will do to remain alive.
We at the IEA had all in private come to the conclusion that even if we started back then to have reversed a collision course with an inevitable ego-system collapse, that we still had only a slim chance of surviving as a species.
I've been unpopular at parties ever since.
These gloomy articles must be required to end on a 'up' note. Of course it's unlikely we will find affordable seafood in five years, let alone 40.
ReplyDeleteYes, and the irony being that all those other species don't have capacity to understand what is their obvious self-destructive behavior ...
ReplyDeletelucky us ...
I haven't eaten any fish going on three weeks. We've over fished the seas. You would think that the Food Network would include a disclaimer on their programs? Ina Garten is always down at her local fish monger in N.E. I'm sure she only uses "fresh" and not farm raised?
ReplyDeleteMost of the fish sold in supermarkets here in Philadelphia are farm raised, or is frozen and from China.
"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully." —Presidential candidate George W. Bush, Saginaw, Mich., Sept. 29, 2000
Hey M... I've gained great respect for the earth's yearn to rejuvenate life where I live - on the cusp of the world's most active volcano. 200 years ago this area was inundated with ash from an eruption like mt st helens - with 2-5 feet of volcanic ash from a pyroclastic event. Almost every tree alive here now was born in the aftermath. The earth has a great tenacity to survive, and hopefully will live beyond humanity, which has done everything within it's capacity to stifle life on this planet. In this regard I have some hope for the future. May mother earth correct it's aberrant species... homo sapiens. Long live the future - and without us. I live only 3 miles from where the event took place. But I've always been a fringe dweller. (Otherwise life would be too dull :)
ReplyDeleteAloha, brother.
Well, we're constantly being told how we should eat more fish & less meat. Many have given up beef & chicken and eat mainly seafood. Is it any wonder the seas are "overfished."?
ReplyDeleteMunich..not only China. At the supermarket, I now see signs that say... meat from U.S., Mexico & Canada. Why the HELL does the U.S. have to import beef?? It's all about the good ole NAU which they tell us doesn't exist.
Oh and btw, I recently bought a pair of capris that said U.S.,Mexico & Canada on the label... wtf??
Jersey Girl, you're now wearing North American [Union] capris.
ReplyDeleteThat is outrageous.
Regarding the fish from China. I'm sure the FDA makes certain that all of it is safe for the sheople to consume?
How much money have we borrowed from China? The fish is safe. Just take our word.