Yesterday I went out to Sushi with my progressive co-workers and, as a good environmentalist, I sent them information about which fish are sustainable to eat along with a friendly message about how 90% of our fisheries are depleted. I didn't want to guilt trip, just educate, cause I don't think that people will change their habits because of gloom and doom heckling. Problem is, more I read about our fishy troubles, more I realize what a dire situation we are in and that however we can get people to change their ways, it needs to happen fast. 

California just banned Salmon fishing along its coast and is thinking of extending the ban to river-fishing as well.  How did we get to the point where the government has to outright ban fishing altogether. A long time ago, we should have passed legislation to manage fishing to guarantee stable populations for future generations. Unfortunately our society doesn't actually think that way. This event draws a clear parallel to our current inaction on climate change.

 Will we continue to be weak in regulating carbon emissions until its too late and we have to ban CO2 emissions altogether? When we talk about Salmon Fishing, the affected population from the ban is relatively limited, but a CO2 ban would affect all of us. 

 Another aspect of the Salmon fishing ban that is extremely important and understated is that it will shoot salmon prices through the roof. On its own, this wouldn't be too bad as it would simply imply internalizing externalities, but another side effect will be a boom of salmon farming which is extremely toxic. What we need is an integrated strategy to decrease fish consumption worldwide.

 World, its not about feeling guilty for soul-less animals. Want to continue enjoying your daily hamburger or fish fillet? Get ready to face the consequences.