...
In 1999, the world's population reached 6 billion, and has been growing exponentially ever since (UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs, 1999). As the population grows at an ever increasing rate, the ability of the world's natural resources feed, clothe, and supply everybody becomes increasingly strained. There is an ever-increasing demand for fish, as well as for the possible alternatives to fish. One method of reducing fish consumption would be to inform individuals of the advantages of becoming a vegan or vegetarian, especially in certain rapidly developing countries. Mission 2011 does not support replacing the protein and nutritional value gained from fish with other animal meats, especially cattle: the beef industry is a large contributor to global warming through activities ranging from the clear-cutting of forests to methane production by cattle (Marian, 2007). We do endorse obtaining the necessary nutrients from combinations of grain/wheat/flour and legumes/vegetables/beans. Additional information on combining foods to achieve optimal protein intake from non-animal sources can be found on Protein in the Vegan Diet and on this Protein Information Sheet. We also recognize that protein replacement in societies entirely dependent on fish, or in countries with little arable land, is much more difficult and less practical. In conclusion, Mission 2011 strongly supports education programs that encourage people with access to alternative sources of protein to substantially decrease their consumption of fish (i.e. people in developed countries, like the United States and European Union).
Key groups which need to be educated include:
Governments
Governments are in charge of much regulation and international policy decision, thus they have a great degree of power in any area of management. Our plans require a large degree of international cooperation and national legislation, so knowledgeable governments are critical to the implementation of our plans. The loss of fisheries will have profound effects of economies and will have negative effects for many countries; however, unless the governments are aware of these issues, they cannot make the decisions that most benefit them.
Businesses
While regulation and mandated change may accomplish much, having businesses on-board with our plan will provide a degree of cooperation with regulations not provided by regulations. Also, if businesses understand the benefits they can eventually derive from the protection of the resource upon which they rely, they can become a valuable partner in pressuring governments to implement regulations and to join international conservation movements.
Educating Fishermen
Incentives must be identified for fishermen and large-scale fisheries to implement sustainable policies, as they may be more expensive than unsustainable fishing practices in the immediate short term. Fisheries should also be made aware that proceeding along the status quo will only cause further damage. Education through activities such as workshops has the potential to convince the industry that changing fishing practices will improve production and profitability over the long term.
Educating the ConsumerConsumers
People should be encouraged to understand that there is a problem with the ocean and that their daily efforts and attitudes can ultimately prevent a global disaster. The problem the world faces now concerns not only fish, or even merely the oceans, but rather is a part of the global exploitation of the Earth's resources. Examples of methods to engage individuals include, but are not limited to: documentaries, advertisements, books, and school programs to teach children to value and preserve the environment.
...