I got into spear fishing last summer. It's an amazing sport/pastime. And if you buy fish from a shop normally, then spearing them instead has no negative environmental consequences, and avoids any bycatch. Just swim out from the shore instead of diving from your diesel-chugging boat.
Totally. That was part of what drew me into the sport. I learned that the fishing industry kills close to a trillion animals per year, globally. I couldn’t wrap my head around that.
It seems like many marine animals are probably sentient. The idea of causing so much destruction on its own is concerning, but to do that to creatures who experience pain and suffering seems gratuitously and absurdly immoral.
Selective harvest is not only incredibly important for the health of the ocean, it seems like the morally correct solution as well.
Of course not all of us have the time, opportunity, or physical ability to selectively harvest. I think those of us that do should seriously consider it though... People would realize how polluted and depleted so many essential populations are, see the trash inside the ocean, hear the excessive boat traffic, etc. They would also see all of the incredible parts too, though. Nothing makes you realize how beautiful and important the oceans are better than getting inside and being a part of them.
I guess it’s similar to terrestrial hunting. It can give you and immense love and appreciation for the environment you’re depending on.
Just curious, where are you diving? I’m in BC, Canada. I’ve always been a little envious of people in warmer, clearer waters.
I'm on the Tutukaka coast in Northland NZ. It's an amazing coast for diving, I'm slowly snorkeling my way around the coast where we live, one bit at a time. Here's a typical scene from my GoPro https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wkLZKiPewc.
That is just off shore so it's pretty quiet for fish, though there are usually a few Blue MaoMao which are good eating and have no limit as they are plentiful. On the Poor Knights marine reserve a few miles offshore, the fish are a lot thicker https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=10155868863065128!
