Overfishing and depletion of fish stocks is a worldwide problem. The documentary movie The end of the line provides a comprehensive insight into the conflicting interests associated to global fisheries: economics, politics, history, tradition, welfare of individuals, profits of industry. Not surprisingly, among these aspects conservational values and scientific recommendations often gain less attention. The movie focuses on Atlantic cod and Bluefin tuna fisheries as two very illustrative cases.
As an interesting contrast to the inefficient attempts to control fishing through political means, the movie highlights how publicity, media and consumers’ awareness can affect the market: restaurants and supermarkets are adopting their own ‘sustainable policies’ and avoiding to sell species at risk. This phenomenon was recently discussed also in New Scientists, but with the focus being on potential problems related to such industry-driven sustainability policies (Beware of ‘bluewash’: which fish should you buy?).
Undoubtedly, the lack of general consensus of what is sustainable fishing can lead to problems but, given the inefficiency of politics in regulating fisheries, it is intriguing to see if the demand-supply dynamics of consumers and industry might in the end be more successful. Time will show.
