Overfishing

Overfishing is a monumental, global issue. Our work focuses on empowering consumers and businesses to make responsible choices that ensure resources are harvested sustainably.

3 Billion

People rely on seafood as an important source of protein

1 in 3

Global fisheries are overfished

1,400+

Ocean Wise Recommended options to choose from

Overfishing Disrupts the Balance of Ocean Life.

Overfishing is placing growing pressure on marine ecosystems. When too many fish are taken from the water, populations can struggle to recover. This can disrupt the balance of ocean life and put the communities that rely on seafood at risk.

Ocean Wise works with scientists, seafood businesses, and fisheries to make ocean-friendly choices easier to identify and choose.

Through the Sustainable Seafood program, Ocean Wise provides science-based recommendations and works with restaurants, retailers, suppliers, and fishers to source more responsible options. We also collaborate with community-based fisheries in Canada as part of our ongoing work to co-create a unique sustainability assessment methodology that is more equitable for small-scale harvesters.

By supporting a more responsible seafood system and giving consumers better information, Ocean Wise is helping build a future where seafood is harvested in ways that protect marine life.

Our Work

Sustainable Seafood Label

Three billion people rely on seafood as an important source of protein. But 30% of the world's fish stocks are already overfished. The Ocean Wise Seafood label empowers us all to make sustainable decisions — to ensure our own survival and that of marine habitats.

Small-Scale Fisheries

Fishing is more than a way to catch food; it is a livelihood, a source of cultural identity, and connection to the land. We're working with fishing communities to develop new ways to assess the sustainability performance of small-scale fisheries, emphasizing the inclusion of traditional and community knowledge with Western science-based approaches.

B.C. Salmon

For generations, salmon has connected people, communities, and ecosystems across the Pacific Northwest. Through innovative sustainability assessments and advice from leading salmon experts, we're helping consumers and businesses support responsible B.C. salmon fisheries and protect this iconic species for the future.

Overfishing is a challenge we can solve when science, industry, and fishing communities work together. At Ocean Wise, we’re helping make seafood choices more transparent while supporting fisheries in building more sustainable practices. By improving how seafood is harvested, sourced, and understood, we can protect marine life and support the people who depend on a healthy ocean.

Brian Albaum

Ocean Wise, Director of Fisheries & Seafood

Help Us End Overfishing

Your donation makes it possible for us to continue to support small-scale fisheries, advance sustainable seafood solutions and reduce human impacts on the ocean. When you give, you help power the Ocean Wise seafood label, education and research. Invest in a future where our marine ecosystem can thrive.

Yes, I will help stop overfishing