Fish is a vital protein-rich food. The U.S. government recommends eating more fish, at least 8 ounces or more a week, which is more than twice the amount that the average American eats.

This is a dilemma as commercial fishing, as practiced now, has depleted fish stocks throughout the world. Fish farming has somewhat filled this void.

Atlantic salmon, a fish protein source, is now 90 percent raised on fish farms. Tilapia is vegetarian and therefore a prized farm pond fish. The annual harvest for this species is 2.5 million tons. Since 1960, worldwide fish consumption has nearly increased to 60 percent.

Fish management has worked somewhat; fish quotas, closed areas, limited catch, larger mesh sizes have helped, but the catch still isn’t sustainable. So enforcement of regulations has become stricter to the dissatisfaction of the fishing industry.

An added factor to consider is pollution. Toxic chemicals released by industry and domiciles are released with no thought of consequences. Segments of the ocean have become dead zones through lack of oxygen. Amazing when you consider the size of our oceans.

An answer must be found to stop fish depletion.

Jack Mahoney

Wayne

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