Just days after its debut on March 24, Seaspiracy climbed into Netflix’s top 10 spots in a whopping 32 countries—including the United States. The new documentary explores the devastating truth behind the global fishing industry, taking a deep dive into the many ways this industry harms animals and the planet.
The film explores different ways the ocean is exploited around the world, from Japan to France, Scandinavia, and Africa. It also delves into the plight of sea creatures large and small, from whales slaughtered by the commercial whaling industry to the ocean’s smaller inhabitants. Some of its powerful imagery includes a pod of pilot whales being slaughtered and “sustainably” farmed fish being eaten alive by lice in floating cages.
The film was so powerful that Kourtney Kardashian posted an Instagram story about Seaspiracy to her 115 million followers:
Watching Seaspiracy… I haven’t eaten meat in a few months at all but was still eating a little fish. But after watching this…
The fishing industry’s devastating impact has been on Mercy For Animals’ radar for years. Our investigators have documented the appalling treatment of fish and other aquatic animals in both factory farms and our oceans.
Commercial Fishing
In 2018, a brave Mercy For Animals investigator went undercover on several boats in California’s driftnet fishing industry. Driftnets are mile-long walls of netting that float in the ocean and form a “curtain of death” for marine animals. Our investigation exposed an industry that leaves its victims to slowly suffocate, violently saws off the fins of live sharks, and drowns animals entangled in its nets.
This investigation helped push California to ban large-scale driftnets. Because of this law, dolphins, sharks, rays, and other animals have more protection against the cruel fishing industry.
Factory Farming
As wild fish populations collapse from overfishing, the use of unsanitary and inhumane fish farms is rapidly growing. In fact, nearly half of all the fish people eat come from fish farms. At these operations, fish are raised in ponds or in tanks that hold thousands of fish at a time. These animals suffer extreme stress in overcrowded conditions with poor water quality. And like cow, pig, and chicken factory farms, fish farms have become hot spots for drug-resistant bacteria and the spread of diseases.
Last year, Mercy For Animals released a drone and undercover investigation video into fish farms. Narrated by actress and animal rights activist Kristin Bauer, the video reveals fish cut in half, shocked with electricity, and left to suffocate.
Fish are intelligent animals who deserve our respect and compassion. Together, we can take better care of our oceans and aquatic animals by choosing plant-based foods! Download our FREE Vegetarian Starter Guide to learn how.