If you are a lover of seafood you probably wouldn’t want to imagine an ocean without fish. But according to a new documentary film, a world without fish could become a reality if we don’t stop overfishing our oceans immediately.
Described as ‘an inconvenient truth’ of the state of our oceans, The End of the Line documents the consequences of unsustainable fishing practices and suggests that if something isn’t done soon, the world faces a future without seafood and possible starvation for parts of the world.
Using graphic underwater footage and interviews with world leading scientists, activists and fishermen, The End of the Line examines the imminent extinction of blue fin tuna brought on by high tech fishing and the increasing demand for sushi; the impact of overfishing on marine environments including population explosions of jellyfish; and the profound implications of a world with no fish.
Ben Birt, a campaigner with the Nature Conservation Council of NSW said, “The decisions you and I make now about the types of seafood we consume will have a significant impact on the wellbeing of our oceans. We can help relieve pressure on overfished and threatened species by purchasing species that are relatively abundant and resilient to fishing pressure.”
Ahead of the film’s release date in cinemas in 2010, an advanced screening of The End of the Line was held for Sydney residents at the Chauvel Cinema in Paddington Town Hall, on 25 November 2009.
This special advanced screening was hosted by the Sydney Aquarium Conversation Fund (SACF) and the Nature Conversation Council of NSW, supported by the Save Our Marine Life campaign.
Sydney Aquarium Conservation Fund’s (SACF) Programme Manager, Claudette Rechtorik said, “It’s important that the public have a chance to find out more about how politicians can protect our marine life and the fantastic lifestyle that we enjoy as a result of living near the coast.”
With less than five per cent of Australia’s total waters protected, we should all be heeding the warning about the critical need for the protection of our marine life and large marine sanctuaries.
“This film is a clear call to action for everyone and anyone who values the health of our unique and unprotected marine life: consumers, fishers, and politicians and all who enjoy our enviable surf, seafood and sea lifestyle,” said Tim Nicol, spokesperson for the Save Our Marine Life campaign.
“The message in The End of the Line is unequivocal – politicians must heed the scientific case and growing public support for better protection of marine life, starting with a network of marine sanctuaries in Australia’s south west waters which the Government is currently considering for protection.”
For more information about this very important film visit the website http://endoftheline.com/
This article was last updated on 26 November 2009
