Protection for fish: Free entry to the action day in the Natural History Museum!

Protection for fish: Free entry to the action day in the Natural History Museum!

There will soon be plenty of activities on the program in Cologne, as Fish Day is celebrated worldwide on August 22nd. This is not only a cause for celebration, but also an opportunity to draw attention to the urgent issues threatening the fish species in our seas, rivers and lakes. These range from water pollution and structural interventions to the progressive consequences of climate change. Potsdam therefore calls on people to actively work to protect fish stocks.

In Germany, the Potsdam Natural History Museum will mark the day of action with a special event. Visitors who mention the code word “pike” at the checkout can visit the museum for free and go on a journey of discovery through the fascinating world of fish. At 10 a.m. there is a special tour for children aged 6 and over, while at 3 p.m. there is an exciting fish feeding for guests aged 5 and over. This not only arouses interest in the mysterious inhabitants of our waters, but also raises awareness of how to treat these creatures carefully.

The importance of aquaculture and fish stocks

Aquaculture has become increasingly important in recent decades. It involves the controlled breeding of fish and other aquatic life such as trout, salmon and oysters, beyond natural capacity. According to the Albert Schweitzer Foundation Global production of fish in aquaculture increased from 21.8 million tons in 1990 to an astonishing 94.4 million tons in 2022. This development shows how important sustainable variants of fish farming are, especially in view of the challenges of overfishing. It is a great concern to develop healthy and environmentally friendly methods that take animal welfare into account.

However, global fisheries remain a major issue. Over 37% of marine fish stocks are overfished and the FAO regularly reports on the alarming conditions. According to the surveys of Marine Stewardship Council 50.5% of the stocks are used sustainably to the maximum, which places the highest demands on responsible fisheries management. Only through effective measures can we secure the resources of our seas.

Fish as social creatures and animal welfare

The idea of ​​fishing couldn't be far enough from reality. Scientific studies show that fish not only have the ability to feel pain, but also exhibit social and complex behaviors. Fish are by no means the inconspicuous creatures they are often viewed as. They communicate with each other and experience emotions such as fear and joy, which is often overlooked in society. It is therefore all the more important to take the needs of these animals into account in animal husbandry, especially in aquaculture, where the right water quality determines their well-being.

By celebrating Fish Day, we not only provide a glimpse into the fascinating world of underwater creatures, but also promote awareness of how to treat these animals with respect. Let's use the day of action to make our contribution to protecting fish - be it through sustainable consumption decisions or through our participation in events like the one at the Natural History Museum in Potsdam. The rebuke of the dangers facing fishing could not be more urgent. Let's go deeper together and show that we care about the world under water.