World Oceans Day: A Guide To Quitting Seafood For Good

So, you finally want to wave goodbye to seafood forever? Well, you’ve come to the right place.

Fish and seafood are often seen as the more ‘ethical’ way to consume animal products because many people deem fish as less intelligent creatures in comparison to pigs, cows, etc. Mainstream media also does a great job at demonising foods such as beef and lamb far more than seafood. Fortunately, the recent documentary, Seaspiracy, has finally put the spotlight on the horrific impact of the fishing industry. And people are listening up. 

Humanity’s appetite for seafood is too demanding, and it's reached a point where the ocean can't cope. More than 30% of the world’s fisheries are pushed to the limit, and countless species are at risk of extinction. This is partly due to bycatch, which is marine life that’s unintentionally caught in fishing nets (this accounts for 40% of fish caught worldwide). We need to change how we feed ourselves because the current system isn’t sustainable. So if you’re looking to make a change on World Oceans Day, try reducing your seafood consumption! It’s easier than you think, especially with all of the new alternatives and experimental recipes to try out. 

Plant-based fish alternatives are still a work in progress, but that progress is happening fast. A few years ago, the idea of vegan shrimp seemed like a futuristic daydream, but it’s now a reality! Not only has the quality improved, but the variety has too. Vegans and vegetarians alike are now able to enjoy vegan calamari, smoked salmon, fish burgers, and more.

You can satisfy your seafood craving by whipping up something delicious (and cruelty-free) in your very own kitchen. With a bit of practice and research, you can make your favourite dishes using pre-made alternatives or ingredients like banana blossom and tofu. 

Seafood is tricky to replicate. But thanks to the rising interest in vegan diets, people are experimenting with different methods and ingredients, which means numerous ways to make nutritious seafood alternatives at home. 

There’s a wide variety of seafood textures, from meaty prawns to flaky cod. To make them from plants, you need different ingredients. For example, banana blossom makes a perfect vegan alternative to cod, whereas konjac flour can be made into an alternative to prawns. Jackfruit, tofu, mushrooms, hearts of palm, chickpeas, and even carrots are all wonderful ingredients that can emulate the texture of seafood.

Flavour is another important quality to replicate. The most common ingredients you’ll use when making vegan seafood are lemon and seaweed. Herbs such as dill, bay leaves, and chives are often used with fish. And don’t skimp on the sea salt!

A great way to make your seafood dish even more realistic is to use condiments you would commonly use; for example, whip up a plant-based tartar sauce if you’ve made battered fish.