We are using World Oceans Day to expose the damage the fishing industry causes to the oceans, and the trillions of animals that live within them.

Through our educational campaign, Fishing Hurts, we are showing that, whether captive or free-living, fishes and other sea animals experience intense suffering at the hands of this colossal industry.

But who are the animals behind these staggering numbers? Let’s get to know more about some of the animals that are exploited in their billions by the global fishing industry.

Five facts about fishes and other sea animals 

1. Tuna fishes 

A tuna fish can weigh up to 2000 pounds (more than a horse!) and can travel up to 43 miles an hour. These majestic, lightning fast animals can dive as deep as 3,000 feet and live for up to 30 years! They are intelligent, cooperative and have shown signs of knowledge transfer between groups, such as figuring out fishing tactics to evade being caught!

2. Salmon 

After years living in the open ocean, an Atlantic salmon will return to the river that they were born in order to spawn (lay and fertilise their eggs). This can be a distance of thousands of miles! Scientists still don’t know exactly how they do it, but they suspect they could be using the Earth’s magnetic field to guide them! 

3. Squids

Squids are complex individuals who are able to count, solve problems, recognise patterns, and communicate through a number of signals.

They are expert colour-shifters who can change the colours of the upper and lower bodies to blend into different backgrounds, attract mates and even to communicate with other squids. 

4. Crabs 

Crabs are incredibly intelligent animals. They have been found to have the cognitive capacity for complex learning. Some species of crab can learn to navigate a maze and still remember it two weeks later! 

5. Lobsters 

Many are now becoming aware of how intelligent and complex lobsters are. Lobsters use complicated signals to explore their surroundings and establish social relationships. They can recognise other lobsters and even remember past acquaintances. They have a full array of senses and feel pain as intensely (if not more intensely), than we do. 

Incredibly, free-living lobsters can live up to 100 years! 

Take action for ocean animals

You can support our Fishing Hurts campaign by: 

Get active!

‍Speak with your friends and family about the fishing industry and why they should choose vegan. 

Spread the word!

Order and door drop our brand-new Fishing Hurts A5 leaflets.

Support our work!

‍Follow us on social media and donate to this campaign. 

As always, 

For the animals 

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