I just finished reading “Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food” by Paul Greenberg. The book tracks the fisheries decline of four fisheries, salmon, sea bass, cod, and tuna, and offers up “better” domesticated alternatives such as tilapia, tra, barramundi, and kahala.

At the end of the day, I think Greenberg wishes for some small scale artisanal fish industry, but recognizes the need for industrial fish farming that is done sustainably (thus not wild fish, but farmed fish kept out of nature using limited and healthy feed).

While I liked the book, I was concerned with what I found to be Greenberg’s strong faith in law and governance and his limited faith in the ability of consumer behavior to impact environmental change and improve the status of fisheries. (Though I understand his view given, for example, his disappointment with the Marine Stewardship Certification process that consumers rely on.) Overall a good read that makes me want to learn more about ocean law and policy (e.g., Sustainable Fisheries Act), and understand more about cutting edge fish farming techniques.

Finally, a joke from the book:

Question: “How do you tell a farmed fish from a wild fish?”

Answer: “The farmed one is cross-eyed from staring up at the hole in the outhouse.”

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