If you care about the health of the planet, here is one more reason to buy wild Alaskan seafood: a new candidate for Senate announced his plan to assist the Alaskan fishing economy, in part by improving its relationship to the environment, according to a press release from his campaign.
The plan would involve “aggressive policies that will help the fishing industry minimize greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining profitability,” as well as develop a bipartisan plan to address other related environmental factors, such as soil erosion and climate change[1].
Average temperatures in Alaska have risen from 4 to 7 degrees Fahrenheit since the 1950s[2], and this increase so far has had a range of impacts on its natural resources, from the thawing of permafrost and the breaking up of arctic ice, to the increase of insects in the forests and changes in water temperature, which in turn affect fish migration patterns.
Sustainable fisheries are monitored and certified by an independent third party organization known as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a non-profit based in the United Kingdom. They provide standardization, certification, and services aimed at assisting consumers in making informed choices about the fisheries and producers they choose to support.
Alaska ranks high on the list of approved fisheries, and has for years. Alaskan salmon, pollock, and cod are among the many fish that come with the MSC’s seal of approval for health and sustainability.
[1] “Sustainable Fisheries for Alaska,” http://alaskareport.com/news98/x61650_alaska_fisheries.htm. Retrieved 10/02/08.
[2] Leiserowitz, A. “Climate Change in Alaska,” http://www.alaskaclimatechange.org. Retrieved 10/02/08.