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Ocean Literacy

Time to Normalize Seafood as Part of Our Shared Wildlife

This concept is nothing new, but it is high time we officially normalize it. Years ago in the early 2000s, during a brown bag session at Conservation International, I overheard a comment that caught my attention. These lunchtime sessions, where colleagues shared their work informally, were typically casual, and I was only half-listening. But between daydreams, heard someone refer to seafood as wildlife, and that single word choice jolted me. Like most people, I had until that point, always viewed seafood as a commodity- something extracted from the ocean, inherently abundant and endlessly available. But that comment nudged me to consider a different perspective. History, society and profit margins have unintentionally conditioned us to overlook the ocean’s inhabitants as wildlife, ignoring the complexity of their ecosystems and the impact of our actions on their survival? Cod, sardines, and tuna, in the eyes of the consumer, went the same way as iron, coal, and timber- resources to be extracted, rather than wildlife to be preserved.

In many ways, this shift in perspective is similar to other changes already happening in the conservation community. Across various groups and discussions, conservationists have gradually stopped referring to “the world’s oceans” and instead talk about “the ocean. You might not have even noticed that in 2009, World Oceans Day quietly changed to World Ocean Day to emphasize the interconnectedness of the global ocean system. This small word choice carries a profound message: though there are distinct oceans on a map, the ocean is one interconnected system, affected by the same global issues. By thinking of it as a singular entity, we start to appreciate that the health of one region affects the whole. As the terminology slowly makes its way mainstream, so does a changed perspective. Similarly, if we make the move to normalize seafood as wildlife, we could foster a deeper respect for marine life and influence the way we conserve and protect it.

To understand why this reframing matters, we need to start with definitions. Traditionally, wildlife refers to undomesticated animals that live in their natural habitats- wolves, bears, tigers, and so on. Ask your neighbor to name three examples of wildlife and I’ll bet you a dollar they answer one of those animals. These species symbolize the untamed world, and we have long rallied to protect them through legislation and public campaigns. Chickens and cows, however, penned in farms and served at the dinner table, are far from appearing in a NATURE documentary. Seafood, though caught in the wild, is defined as fish and shellfish intended for human consumption. This label places marine animals in a different category, often viewed through the lens of supply and demand rather than conservation.

This distinction may seem arbitrary, but it’s significant. We don’t refer to other wild animals primarily by their culinary potential; no one talks about tigers, wolves, or eagles as “landfood.” So why do we treat fish, shrimp, and octopus as consumables rather than as integral components of their ecosystems? This divide is likely rooted in our perception of abundance. Marine mammals, like seals or orcas, are typically seen as wildlife, worthy of conservation efforts. But tuna, salmon, grouper, and shrimp are abundant in our minds- a seemingly endless resource for the taking. Yet, these species are no less wild, no less integral to ocean ecosystems, than the iconic animals we associate with wilderness on land.

Rethinking seafood as wildlife isn’t about changing minds about what people should or shouldn’t eat. Rather, it’s about broadening the conversation and examining our assumptions. I Knowledge is power, and consumers, policymakers, and conservationists alike benefit from a fuller understanding of what’s at stake. If we began to see tuna as the ocean’s equivalent of wolves or grouper as akin to grizzly bears, would the general consumer approach marine conservation differently? Would we be more open to supporting robust marine protected areas and sustainable fishing practices?

Many people are uneasy about consuming animals that society has deemed precious or emblematic of the wild. For example, eating a bald eagle would be unthinkable to most, and using bear bile for medicinal purposes is widely controversial. If people were to view fish in the same light, as fellow creatures of the wild, it might lead to a shift in choices, both in consumption and in conservation. Similarly, if people who shudder at the thought of eating a wild cat were to view grouper or octopus through the same lens, they might pause and reconsider.

This is nothing impossible- we’ve been here before. For centuries, whale blubber was treated purely as a commodity, fueling the lamps of homes across the globe and powering the engines of a growing industrial society. The oil derived from this blubber, extracted from the thick layers of fat beneath a whale’s skin, became so prized that entire species of whales were driven to the brink of extinction. Whaling fleets scoured the oceans in search of this valuable resource, killing thousands upon thousands of whales to meet the relentless demand for oil to light streets, lubricate machinery, and even make soap and cosmetics. However, as society progressed and came to understand whales not as resources but as intelligent, social, and majestic creatures- integral to marine ecosystems and deserving of respect- a profound shift took place. Whales were no longer seen as fuel or raw material but as wildlife, invaluable for their role in the natural world. With this change in perspective, whaling was banned in many parts of the world, and new laws protected these animals, fostering a global effort to restore whale populations. Today, not even the most nostalgic person would consider lighting a whale oil lamp for tradition’s sake, and this evolution in understanding reflects how our values can shift dramatically once we recognize that some things should be preserved, not consumed.

The science of conservation underscores that the ocean is in crisis. Overfishing, pollution, climate change, and habitat destruction are devastating marine biodiversity. But because fish and shellfish are seen as commodities rather than part of our wildlife heritage, conservation policies often fall short of what’s needed. When land animals face population declines, we often act swiftly to protect them. Extending that same concern to marine life could have a transformative impact on conservation policy. Normalizing fish as wildlife would allow us to view marine protected areas not merely as regulatory zones but as havens for vital, wild creatures.

This rebrand could also lend new weight to the concept of marine protected areas. Terrestrial protected areas serve to conserve wildlife in part by creating spaces where they can live free from exploitation. When fish and other marine animals are seen as wildlife, it becomes easier to advocate for similar protections in the ocean. The debate then shifts from simply regulating a food source to preserving an essential part of the natural world.

Suggesting that we normalize seafood as wildlife doesn’t mean launching a campaign or advocating for dietary changes. Instead, it’s a quiet nudge, a subtle reframing that could reshape the conversation over time. Small shifts in language can have lasting impacts on how we think, act, and legislate. This isn’t about making moral judgments on what people eat; it’s about helping people see the ocean’s creatures with fresh eyes, as part of our shared wildlife heritage.

Just as our colleagues in conservation have redefined the “ocean” as one interconnected system, we can slowly see the impacts of our language ripple across the globe. Perhaps by collectively and consistently recognizing fish, shellfish, and marine life as wildlife, we can help foster a more unified approach to ocean conservation- one that sees marine life not as commodities to be taken but as wild species to be protected, respected, and preserved. After all, reframing how we talk about the ocean and its inhabitants may be one of the simplest, most powerful conservation tools we have.

Giacomo Abrusci, Executive Director, SEVENSEAS Media

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Issue 132 - May 2026

SeaKeepers Welcomes Dr. Mark Luther as First Scientist Chairman, Marking a New Era for Ocean Research

The International SeaKeepers Society marks a historic milestone, appointing Dr. Mark Luther of the University of South Florida as its first scientist Chairman, succeeding Jay Wade and signaling a deeper scientific chapter for the yachting-led conservation organization.
Jay Wade and Dr. Mark Luther of The International SeaKeepers Society
Outgoing Chairman Jay Wade with incoming Scientist Chairman Dr. Mark Luther. Photo: SeaKeepers.

April 10, 2026. The Board of Directors of The International SeaKeepers Society has announced a leadership transition, extending its deepest gratitude to outgoing Chairman Jay Wade and welcoming Dr. Mark Luther as the organization’s first scientist Chairman, a historic milestone for the ocean conservation NGO.

During his tenure, Jay Wade provided steady, thoughtful leadership, guiding the organization through a period of growth while remaining anchored in SeaKeepers’ mission to advance oceanographic research, conservation, and marine education. A passionate advocate for the yachting and boating community, Wade championed a vision of transforming private vessels into platforms for scientific discovery, expanding the organization’s global reach and strengthening its role as a bridge between ocean science and the maritime industry.

A first scientist Chairman for SeaKeepers

Dr. Mark Luther brings decades of expertise in physical oceanography and maritime systems, alongside a lifelong connection to the water. He earned his Ph.D. in Physical Oceanography from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and currently serves as Professor and Director of the Center for Maritime and Port Studies at the University of South Florida’s College of Marine Science.

With over 30 years of experience supporting oceanographic observation systems, including longstanding work with NOAA’s Tampa Bay Physical Oceanographic Real-Time System, Dr. Luther has been at the forefront of integrating science with real-world maritime operations. His leadership extends across key regional and federal committees, where he collaborates closely with the U.S. Coast Guard, port authorities, and maritime stakeholders to address environmental challenges tied to marine transportation.

A dedicated member of the SeaKeepers community, Dr. Luther has served as Chair of the organization’s Scientific Advisory Council, helping to guide and elevate its scientific initiatives. He is also an avid boater and U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain, having spent more than four decades navigating the waters of Tampa Bay and Florida’s west coast.

“With years of dedicated service to SeaKeepers, Mark brings a deep understanding of our mission to this role. It is exciting to see him step into the position of Chairman and help guide the organization forward.”

Jay Wade, outgoing Chairman, The International SeaKeepers Society

Dr. Luther’s appointment signals an exciting new chapter for SeaKeepers, one that deepens the organization’s scientific leadership while continuing to engage the global fleet in meaningful ocean research, education, and conservation.

About The International SeaKeepers Society. The International SeaKeepers Society works with the yachting community to take part in research, conservation, and educational efforts that advance the health of the ocean. Learn more at seakeepers.org or @seakeepers on social.

Adapted from a press release issued by The International SeaKeepers Society on April 10, 2026.

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Issue 132 - May 2026

Falmouth Harbour Trials the World’s First All-Concrete Pontoon Float to Replace EPS in Marinas

Falmouth Harbour is trialling the world’s first all-concrete marina pontoon, designed by Cornwall-based ScaffFloat, as a recyclable alternative to Expanded Polystyrene floats and a step toward cutting marine microplastic pollution.

Falmouth, Cornwall, UK. Falmouth Harbour is trialling the world’s first all-concrete marina pontoon float, designed and built by the team at ScaffFloat in neighbouring Penryn, in a first step to removing all Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) floats from its leisure and commercial operations.

The Harbour has pledged to move away from EPS products in the light of mounting evidence that polystyrene microplastics in the world’s oceans inflict serious damage on the marine environment and life within it. Polystyrene, globally used for its lightness and buoyancy, is made from fossil fuels, is virtually un-decomposable, and when it breaks down into microplastics can be ingested by marine life with devastating consequences.

“The amount of broken-up polystyrene around our creeks and rivers, particularly after this year’s storms, is awful to see and very hard to clean up without damaging the delicate ecology of our shorelines. Expanded Polystyrene fragments in the marine environment pose a serious ecological concern, as seabirds, fish, turtles and other fauna mistake EPS beads for food, which can cause internal injuries or death; entering the food chain poses health risks to humans as well.”

Vicki Spooner, Environment Manager, Falmouth Harbour

Inside the Reef Float: an inert, recyclable alternative to EPS

Penryn marine company ScaffFloat Ltd has tackled the challenge of finding alternatives to traditional pontoons by inventing the “Reef Float.” Their first commercial prototype, made entirely from concrete, has been undergoing trials beneath a Falmouth Harbour pontoon. ScaffFloat developed the new product as part of a business development project that received £284,787 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund as part of Cornwall’s Good Growth Programme.

The Reef Float’s buoyant core is made using ultra-low-density waterproof concrete, instead of EPS foam, and the core is then cast inside a high-strength engineered concrete skin. In the highly unlikely event that a Reef Float ever failed, the materials would simply sit inertly as stone in the marine environment, whereas a cracked-open EPS float exposes its polystyrene foam core to the marine elements.

“We replaced a failing EPS pontoon float at Falmouth Harbour with a Reef Float, where it survived all that this January’s storms could throw at it. It’s what we would expect, of course, as we’ve designed it to be strong with an ultra-long life. But it’s also completely inert in the marine environment and 100 percent recyclable, so a game-changing alternative to the EPS floats currently used all over the world.”

Toby Budd, Founder and Managing Director, ScaffFloat

Local innovation, global stage

Local MP Jayne Kirkham, checking out the new Reef Float in Falmouth, called it “exactly the kind of innovation we want to see in Cornwall: local businesses developing practical but cutting-edge solutions to global environmental challenges. Cutting polystyrene pollution from our waters while creating skilled jobs is a win for our marine environment and our economy. I’m proud to see government funding helping projects like this lead the way.”

“Falmouth Harbour has made the conscious decision to move away from EPS foam pontoons in all our operations, and it’s fantastic that our neighbours at ScaffFloat are the first company to offer a plastic-free alternative. Reef Floats are easily installed, in situ, on a rolling basis, as and when we need to replace old EPS floats, and they have a zero-cost, 100 percent recyclable end-of-life disposal. It’s another tremendous example of Cornish ingenuity, and we look forward to working with them into the future.”

Miles Carden, CEO, Falmouth Harbour

The Reef Float team has been shortlisted for the Innovation Award at Marina26 in Australia this May, with an invitation to attend and present at the biggest marina conference in the world, demonstrating what a major issue EPS has become for the marina industry and legislative authorities alike.

Australia itself lost more than 1,000 pontoons in the 2022 Queensland floods, where they broke up and created an environmental disaster known as the “White Spill,” with the ocean and beaches covered with EPS balls that were almost impossible to clear up.

Learn more. For more information on Reef Float and parent company ScaffFloat, visit scafffloat.co.uk/reeffloat. For more on Falmouth Harbour, including its wide-ranging environmental initiatives, see falmouthharbour.co.uk.

Adapted from a press release issued by Louise Midgley Communications, on behalf of ScaffFloat and Falmouth Harbour.

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Conservation Photography

Little Cayman Hope Spot Shows Early Signs of Reef Recovery After the World’s Most Extreme Coral Bleaching Event

CCMI’s 2025 Healthy Reefs Report Card shows Little Cayman’s coral cover edging back to 13.4 percent, an early but unmistakable sign that the island’s reefs are beginning to recover from the world’s most extreme coral bleaching event.

Little Cayman, Cayman Islands. Marking Earth Day 2026, the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI) released its 2025 Healthy Reefs Report Card, revealing early signs of recovery and renewed hope for Little Cayman’s reefs after the most extreme coral bleaching event on record in 2023.

The summer of 2023 was the hottest ever measured, and it brought with it one of the most extensive global coral bleaching events in modern history, decimating reefs from the Caribbean to the Indo-Pacific and casting their future in doubt. CCMI’s Healthy Reefs campaign has tracked Little Cayman’s reefs since 1998, and the 2024 surveys delivered the bleakest numbers in the program’s history: coral cover had collapsed to 9.8 percent, down from 26 percent before the marine heatwave.

This year’s data tells a different story. The 2025 surveys, summarized in the new Report Card, show coral cover edging back up to 13.4 percent. The shift is not yet statistically significant, but the direction is unmistakable: recovery in Little Cayman has begun.

A site-by-site picture

Zoom in from the island-wide average and the recovery looks more layered. Twenty percent of surveyed sites posted a significant increase in coral cover between 2024 and 2025. One site, Coral City, held the line entirely through the bleaching, exhibiting no significant loss. In total, 30 percent of sites have either maintained pre-bleaching coral levels or demonstrated significant recovery this year. The remaining 70 percent show either minor, non-significant recovery or no recovery at all.

Reef recovery is rarely visible on a 12 to 24 month horizon. Corals are slow-growing animals, and even after a disturbance ends, biologists typically expect at least three years before measurable rebound, and a minimum of seven years (sometimes nearly thirty) for a reef to return to pre-bleaching baselines. Against that timeline, what CCMI is recording in 2025 is striking: the resilience built into Little Cayman, with strong protections and minimal local disturbance, appears to be doing exactly what reef science predicts it should do.

Fish populations holding the line

While coral cover is still climbing back, fish populations have continued to thrive. CCMI has documented consistent increases in fish density since 2016, with a dramatic jump in density and biomass in 2024 that held through 2025. That matters more than it might sound: herbivorous fish keep macro-algae in check, and when algae is left unchecked it can smother corals and block new recruits from settling. A healthy reef-fish community is, in many ways, what makes coral recovery possible at all.

A Hope Spot earning its name

Little Cayman is a Mission Blue Hope Spot, a designation that frames the island as a small-but-mighty example of what marine protection can look like when conservation is prioritized. Under the pressures the ocean is now under, that framing reads less like marketing copy and more like a working hypothesis the reef is steadily proving out.

The island has form here. Little Cayman’s Nassau grouper spawning aggregation rebounded from roughly 1,000 individuals to nearly 9,000 over a decade, one of the most cited recovery stories in the Caribbean. The early coral signal in the 2025 Report Card could become another chapter in that record.

The nursery, and three resilient genotypes

CCMI’s coral nursery was hit hard during the 2023 bleaching, losing close to 90 percent of its stock. Genetic work in the aftermath identified three staghorn coral genotypes that survived nearly 20 degree-heating weeks. Since 2023, those three genotypes have rebuilt the nursery from just 17 fragments to nearly 300 as of March 2026. CCMI’s nursery likely represents one of the last remaining populations of the critically endangered staghorn coral, Acropora cervicornis, in Little Cayman.

Why this matters beyond Little Cayman

Hope Spots like Little Cayman do not just protect their own waters. They function as larval source populations, exporting recruits along ocean currents to less resilient reefs downstream. In a warming ocean where many sites have lost their capacity to bounce back unaided, these pockets of resilience are increasingly the difference between regional collapse and regional recovery.

The 2025 numbers do not erase what 2023 took. Coral cover is still well below pre-heatwave levels, and the recovery is partial, uneven, and fragile. But for the first time since the bleaching, the trendline is pointing in the right direction. As CCMI puts it, research and science-based actions are critical right now to understand the ecological processes driving this resilience and to translate that understanding into management and protection.

Acknowledgments

CCMI thanks this year’s Healthy Reefs sponsors: Wheaton Precious Metals International, Foster’s Supermarket, Cayman Water, and Ugland Properties; and the Restoration program sponsors who made the work possible: The Ernest Kleinwort Charitable Trust, Artex Cayman Islands, Walkers, and Marfire.

Read the full 2025 Healthy Reefs Report Card at tinyurl.com/CCMI-25HRR and learn more about the Healthy Reefs campaign at reefresearch.org/our-work/research/healthy-reefs/.

Adapted from a press release issued by the Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI), April 22, 2026. Photo credit: CCMI.

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