Why We Should Give a Damn About World Fisheries Day

Let me take you to a scene: the vast, blue expanse of the ocean. It’s the kind of place where men in battered boats, with skin like leather and spirits as untamed as the sea, set out at dawn with nothing but hope and hooks. These are not your polished boardroom types—no sir, they’re real people doing real work. And let’s be honest, they’re far more interesting. This November 21st, as we raise our glasses to World Fisheries Day, it's about time we remember that these people are the unsung heroes keeping our dinner plates interesting and our oceans in balance.

Fishing, you see, isn’t some modern, boardroom-invented, tech-driven phenomenon. It’s older than civilization itself. Paleolithic humans were chucking sharpened sticks into rivers long before they figured out how to grow wheat or herd goats. And they were eating fish for the simple reason that fish are delicious. This ancient craft has been handed down through generations, particularly in countries like Mexico, where it’s not just a job; it’s a heritage. If your father was a fisherman, chances are you’d follow him out to sea, learning to tie knots and mend nets before you could even spell “sustainability.”

Fast forward to today, and the numbers are staggering. In Mexico alone, 243,124 people are dedicated to this ancient trade. Most of them—230,628 to be exact—work in smaller vessels. Think wooden boats, basic nets, and long hours. The rest, about 12,496, are on larger vessels with, presumably, slightly better coffee.

But the world loves fish. We love sushi, grilled salmon, and fish tacos. Demand is relentless, and the temptation to overfish is as irresistible as a second helping of chocolate cake. That’s why, on World Fisheries Day, the spotlight is on sustainability. Because if we’re not careful, we’ll fish the oceans empty, and the only place you’ll see a tuna is in a history book.

The Mexican government, under President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, has jumped on the sustainability bandwagon. They’re pushing for an “ecological transition” in the agri-food system, and about time too. Promoting sustainable fishing isn’t just a box-ticking exercise; it’s a matter of survival—both for the fish and for the thousands of families who rely on the sea for their livelihood.

A Chain of Hard Work

Let’s not forget that fishing isn’t just about hauling fish out of the water. It’s an entire industry. There’s the guy who makes the fishing gear, the one who cleans the catch, and the one who sells it at the market. It’s a chain of gritty, back-breaking jobs that keep economies afloat and dinner tables full. Respect for bodies of water isn’t some abstract, tree-hugging concept; it’s a practical necessity. Without healthy oceans, this entire chain collapses.

Then there’s the grand idea of food sovereignty. It’s a fancy term that basically means a country should be able to feed its people without relying on imports from halfway across the globe. And let’s face it, that makes sense. Sustainable fishing practices contribute to this goal by ensuring that future generations of Mexicans can enjoy fish that’s fresh, local, and plentiful.

In an age where we obsess over the latest tech trends and spend hours debating which avocado toast is the best, it’s easy to forget the basics. But here’s the thing: without healthy oceans and sustainable fisheries, the whole system falls apart. And if that happens, no amount of artisanal coffee or quinoa salads will save us.

So, this World Fisheries Day, let’s raise a glass—not just to the oceans, but to the fishermen and women who brave them. They’re not just catching fish; they’re preserving a way of life, protecting the environment, and ensuring that we can all continue to enjoy the simple pleasure of a good fish taco. Because in the end, it’s the simple things that matter most.

And remember, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword. It’s the difference between a future where our children know what fresh fish tastes like and one where they think it’s just another myth, like unicorns or affordable housing. So, let’s get it right.