Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fishing. Show all posts

Wednesday 29 May 2024

Savouring Sustainability: How Our Food Choices Impact World Reef Awareness Day

Each year, on June 1st, World Reef Awareness Day prompts us to reflect on the fragile ecosystems of coral reefs and their significance to our planet. 

While discussions often focus on direct environmental threats like pollution and climate change, the role of our daily food choices in reef conservation is often overlooked. 

This World Reef Awareness Day, let’s explore how what we eat can protect these underwater treasures.

The Hidden Connection Between Food and Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are vibrant underwater ecosystems, home to an estimated 25% of marine species. They provide essential services such as coastal protection, habitat for marine life, and support for local economies through tourism and fishing. However, reefs face severe threats from overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and the broader impacts of climate change—all of which are influenced by our food choices.

Sustainable Seafood Choices

Overfishing is one of the most pressing threats to coral reefs. Unsustainable fishing practices, such as trawling and the use of dynamite, devastate reef structures and deplete fish populations that are crucial to reef health. By choosing sustainably sourced seafood, we can reduce the pressure on these ecosystems.

Look for certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) when buying seafood. These labels ensure the fish were caught or farmed using methods that do not harm the environment or deplete fish stocks. Additionally, opting for local and seasonal seafood reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation and supports sustainable practices.

Reducing Meat Consumption

The global demand for meat has a significant environmental impact, contributing to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. These effects extend to coral reefs, as agricultural runoff laden with fertilisers and pesticides often ends up in the oceans, causing nutrient pollution and harmful algal blooms that smother coral reefs.

Adopting a more plant-based diet can help mitigate these effects. Reducing meat consumption, even just by participating in initiatives like Meat-Free Mondays, can decrease the demand for livestock farming and its associated environmental degradation. Plant-based diets generally have a lower carbon footprint and require less water and land, contributing to the overall health of our planet's ecosystems, including coral reefs.

Supporting Sustainable Agriculture

Agricultural practices have a direct impact on marine environments. Runoff from farms carries nutrients and chemicals into waterways, eventually reaching the ocean. This process, known as eutrophication, leads to the overgrowth of algae which blocks sunlight and depletes oxygen in the water, severely affecting coral health.

Supporting sustainable agriculture by choosing organic and locally grown produce can reduce this harmful runoff. Organic farming typically avoids synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, favouring natural alternatives that are less likely to harm the environment. Buying from local farmers also reduces the carbon footprint associated with food transportation and supports eco-friendly farming practices.

Mindful Consumption and Waste Reduction

Food waste is another critical issue with indirect effects on coral reefs. When food is wasted, all the resources used in its production, water, energy, and land, are wasted as well. Additionally, food waste in landfills generates methane, a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to climate change, exacerbating the stress on coral reefs.

Being mindful of portion sizes, storing food properly, and using leftovers creatively can significantly reduce food waste. Composting organic waste instead of sending it to landfill can also help, as it reduces methane emissions and creates valuable fertiliser for growing more food sustainably.

Educating and Advocating

Finally, spreading awareness and advocating for sustainable food systems can amplify individual efforts. Engage with community initiatives that promote sustainable eating, support policies that protect marine environments, and educate others about the connection between food choices and coral reef health.

This World Reef Awareness Day, let’s recognise that our plates are connected to the ocean depths. By making conscious food choices, we can play a part in preserving the vibrant life of coral reefs. Sustainable seafood, reduced meat consumption, support for sustainable agriculture, mindful consumption, and waste reduction are all steps towards a healthier planet and thriving coral ecosystems. Let’s savour sustainability and protect our reefs, one meal at a time.

https://worldreefday.org

https://www.msc.org

https://asc-aqua.org

Friday 21 July 2023

Morrisons to help fund fishing apprenticeships with £100k funding

The Morrisons supermarket is transferring an Apprenticeship Levy fund of over £100,000 to Supplytrain to help train ten new sea fishers for the South Western Fish Producer Organisation (SWFPO).

The £100k will support the first fisher apprenticeship programme in England. The 18 month apprenticeship allows students to get vital hands-on experience and learn more about the whole fishing operation from sea to sale. 

As an apprentice, students will be employed by Supplytrain, but will be able to work across different boats within the SWFPO membership, catching different types of fish and learning from experienced crew members whilst they are also studying seamanship, gear construction and how to care for the catch at South Devon College. 

The life of a commercial fisher is obviously very physically demanding but immensely rewarding, providing the skills and opportunities to become an experienced deckhand, skipper, marine engineer or even a future vessel owner, too.

The Government Apprenticeship Levy is paid by employers to help fund apprenticeship programmes and Morrisons has agreed to transfer £100,000 of its funds to pay for the SWFPO’s first cohort of ten apprentices. The deadline for applications is 31st July and the first cohort will begin their programme this September. 

Morrisons has supported craft apprenticeships in its stores including Fishmongers, Butchers and Bakery roles. Over 2,500 colleagues in-store have completed the programme to date with a further 200 apprentices planned to enrol in September. 

Sophie Jenkinson, who is Morrisons' Sustainable Sourcing and Fisheries Manager said: “The fishing industry is a vital and integral part of Morrisons and that's why we’re pleased to be supporting and backing Supplytrain and SWFPO by transferring some of our Apprenticeship Levy to help recruit and train the sector.”

Juliette Hatchman, SWFPO's CEO said: “Recruitment is a real issue across the entire fishing industry now, with an ageing demographic and a shortage of skilled crew. A lack of skilled crew has a significant impact on the entire seafood supply chain. 

"The catching sector is the start of the supply chain, so without boats going to sea, there is no supply chain. SWFPO members are not alone in facing challenges with attracting the right personnel. This apprenticeship is a great way to grow new talent within our industry by developing a motivated, skilled and qualified resource that the whole industry will ultimately benefit from.

"Not only does it improve the attractiveness of the sector as a professional and valuable career pathway, but improves safety within the sector, all of which make it a much needed and extremely worthwhile investment.”

Phil Golding, MD at Supplytrain said: “It’s fantastic to have Morrisons as a partner supporting the first ever Fisher Apprenticeship in the country. As a flexi-job apprenticeship agency, we’re obviously really excited to be able to employ and support fresh talent to start a career in this rewarding industry, and hope this is the first of many cohorts in the years ahead.”

In 2021 Morrisons acquired Falfish, a sustainably sourced seafood wholesaler which is based in Cornwall. To date, Falfish supply the majority of Morrisons fish and shellfish that's then freshly prepared by Morrisons fishmongers who are based in-store. 

To apply to become a fishing apprentice through supply train please visit: https://supplytrain.co.uk/sea-fisher-apprenticeship