What We’re Reading

A short list of inspiring reading or information we’ve been digging into. 

• SeaChoice op-ed by Christina 

Facing the red flag: The imperative of Atlantic mackerel recovery report by Christina Callegari 

“An ocean without mackerel, one of the key forage species in the Atlantic, would have dire effects on the ecosystem and people. Many marine animals, including the endangered porbeagle and shortfin mako sharks, marlins, seabirds, porpoises and whales, hunt the energy rich mackerel. Indigenous peoples have fished the abundant mackerel for millennia in this region and continue to do so for food, cultural, and economic value. The commercial lobster fishery, which is the economic backbone of many of our coastal communities, has relied heavily on mackerel for bait. It remains one of the last marine fish that everyone in Atlantic Canada can access for food and recreation – a strong Maritime tradition and a favorite pastime of newcomers. Mackerel connects everyday people to marine ecosystems.” 

• Salmon Wars podcast 

“Salmon Wars” tells the story of salmon in the Northwest in a way you haven’t heard before — through the voices of one Yakama Nation family who have been fighting for salmon for generations. 

• CBC collagen article

Marine collagen is all the rage in anti-aging. What does that mean for fish?  

"Like any fishery or aquaculture product, there can be sustainable or unsustainable sources," said Roebuck of Living Oceans. 

"It is impossible for consumers to know what species is being utilized and whether they are contributing to overfishing, marine degradation or even illegal activities." 

• A Sea Full of Turtles

Bill Streever’s, A Sea Full of Turtles, is a study in optimism. Yes, humans have proven to be the species most responsible for extinction events, but without hope who will do anything about it? Hopelessness sinks the human race into lethargy and inertia. After all, why fight for nature if the battle is already lost? Streever’s book is an ode on how important optimism is not only as part of life but as a touchstone in the conservation movement and how much can be done if you stay hopeful. 

Visit Ecolit books to view a full Q & A with the author 

Purchase the book from your local bookstore.