Title Image Australian Sea-lion

We have been fishing for thousands of years, and until recent times it seemed that the supply of fish was endless.

Now we are seeing increasing amounts of evidence that we need to curb our fishing efforts – it is estimated that around 80% of the world’s fish stocks are either fully fished or overfished. We need to manage our oceans in a sustainable way, in order to ensure there are enough fish for future generations of people and animals.

There is still time to make a difference. Some types of seafood are better choices to eat as they are generally fast growing and breeding, and are less likely to be overfished. Other better choice fish are caught or farmed in a sustainable way – that means that they are able to maintain their populations, and there is minimal damage done to the animals and habitats surrounding them. 

We can all help by making better choices when we purchase seafood to eat.

Taronga dives in to support sustainability

Taronga staff took to the streets to celebrate diversity and sustainability in the 2011 Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade.

Taronga supports ocean life in the following ways:

• Our dynamic Seal Show educates thousands of people each week about ocean life 
• We provide training to help care for wildlife affected by oil spills across the world 
• Our wildlife hospital aims to heal and release injured land and marine animals 
• We keep a register of shark attacks for the whole of Australia 
• We collaborate with the Australian Marine Mammal Research Centre and University of NSW.
• We actively rehabilitate our harbour foreshore and bushland 
• Fish bought as food for our marine animals is increasingly sourced from responsible fisheries 

There are many groups in Australia working towards healthy oceans. 

Visit the websites below to find out more.