As a vegan, I’m often asked what I do and do not eat and I’m always surprised when fish is one of the animals in question. After all, Finding Nemo taught us that “fish are friends, not food,” right? Nevertheless, according to Marine Bio, 200 billion pounds of fish and shellfish are taken from the ocean’s ecosystem each year. There are many different opinions on whether fish should be on our plates, and what it means to eat fish and not other animals.
First, the terminology. Based on Google’s definitions, a vegetarian consumes no meat. A vegan does not eat or use any animal products (anything that comes from an animal). A pescatarian is defined as someone who does not eat meat, but eats fish. So, does that mean fish are not meat? Why does this separate category exist?
There has long been a debate between scientific research and religious traditions on whether fish are considered meat. Taxonomic classification dictates that fish are part of the Kingdom Animalia, and the flesh of any animal is defined as meat. Logically, this means that fish are meat. However, every Friday during the Catholic period of Lent, people are allowed to eat fish while fasting from other meats in order to honor the flesh of Christ. This separation began in the 13th century with Saint Thomas Aquinas, who spread the belief that warm-blooded animal meat (which disregards most seafood) would lead to more sinful sexual thoughts and desires. In the Jewish tradition of Kashrut, shellfish are forbidden to eat while other fish are allowed. The Torah also distinguishes that land mammals such as the camel, hare, and pig are not kosher because they lack cloven hooves.
Furthermore, some people still argue that fish aren’t the same as mammals because they don’t feel pain or have emotions. This is simply not true, as many scientific studies have proven that nerve systems in fish are equally sensitive to pain as birds and mammals. Fish also experience intense stress when chased and captured, studies show that their heart and breathing rates increase rapidly.
These characteristics are consistent for all animals, from the cats and dogs we call our beloved pets, to cows in factory farms, and even to fish in the ocean.
The distinction between which cut-up and cooked animal bodies people of different faith or opinion choose to eat (or not eat) is a fascinating display of historical, social, religious, economic, and scientific beliefs. In this day and age, however, with around 85% of global fish stocks over-exploited or depleted, reported by BBC News, the benefits of ending fish consumption are undeniable.
So while it may be easier to “just keep swimming” and ignore the suffering fish encounter and the negative effects on our oceans from incessant fishing, maybe it’s time to swim against the current. Leave fish off your plate for Lent, consider your last beach vacation, and understand why fish, although small, play a big part in sustaining our world.