It may not be convenient to do so, but it's time for us to acknowledge that fish are not swimming vegetables. They can suffer and feel pain as all animals do, and their welfare deserves our consideration.
Every five years, the government reminds Americans that we need to start eating better — more fruits and vegetables, less sodium, less sugar, less meat. The latest incarnation of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, which was just released, also includes a specific recommendation to eat more fish. On average, Americans eat about 3 ½ ounces of seafood per week, but according to the new guidelines, adults should up that to at least 8 ounces per week.
Here's why you shouldn't.
In slaughter facilities across the country, fish are killed in ways that make medieval torture look tame. Animal advocacy group Mercy For Animals has released a new undercover investigation of a fish slaughterhouse in Texas, where fish are suffocated, skinned and sliced in half — all while they're conscious and able to feel pain.
Read the complete opinion piece from The South Coast Today.