#5 Let the tuna swim

There are many wonderful things we can eat, and tuna is one of them. But it's not just a beautiful fish, it's a keystone species in our oceans. Every time we open a can of tuna we're contributing to a long chain of harm.

Industrial fishing has been a rae to the bottom for decades. Fish stocks are vanishing. And as they vanish, the boats become larger and more destructive. Ever larger boats chasing ever smaller stocks. Have no doubt about it, we will run out of fish.

But it's not just about running out of fish. Our oceans are not just beautiful places, they are one of our most valuable carbon sinks. A healthy ocean with a thriving ecosystem is keeping our planet cool, healthy and breathable. Industrial fishing creates more CO2 than the aviation industry, and causes untold lasting damage to ocean ecosystems. The best way to look after our oceans is to leave them clean, and leave them alone.

In in Rewilding the Sea, environemntal journalist Charles Clover writes about how quickly ocean ecosystems can recover and thrive when allowed to. If we respect our seas, we will all reap the benefits.

Can it really make a difference?

Maybe leaving that can on the shelf won't solve all the problems. But it's a start. It shows that you're making a stand, that you believe in having a better future. If you make the change, others make the change, maybe it can start to have an impact. If you believe in doing more there are many organisations dedicated to marine conservation who would value your support.

We could talk a lot about fishing subsidies

It's sadly the case that the history of fishing subsidies is long, complex and deeply tied into the spirit and culture of many nations. It's not something we can untangle overnight. But consider this—industrial scale fishing is far from profitable and only survives through those subsidies. The entire UK fishing industry has a lower turnover than Harrods department store—and only survives by being heavily subsidised. Is it worth the cost? There are plenty other things we can eat.

It's a long journey

The more we act, the more we share, the more we have a movement towards a healthier, safer, more prosperous future for us all.

— 200 ways