Giving Thanks to the People Behind Our Seafood
By: Allison Shaffer
Zen4Blue Ocean Research Author
When November rolls around, we naturally start thinking about Thanksgiving, spending time with family, and all the things we’re grateful for. And of course, food is always a big part of that. But something I’ve been thinking about lately is how often we sit down to enjoy a meal without really considering where our food came from or the people who worked to get it there. When it comes to seafood, there’s so much more to the story than what ends up on our plates
Behind that fresh fish, shrimp, crab, or oyster is often a fisherman who was up before sunrise, a family that has spent generations working on the water, or a small seafood business doing everything it can to keep its doors open. These are real people whose livelihoods depend on the ocean, and I think they deserve a little more recognition than they usually get.
I’ve always loved the connection between people and the ocean, and one thing I’ve come to appreciate even more through my marine conservation journey is how important coastal communities are. For so many families, fishing isn’t just a job. It’s something they grew up around, something that’s been passed down through generations, and something that has shaped their entire way of life. There’s a lot of hard work, uncertainty, and dedication that goes into making a living from the water, and I don’t think that’s something we should take for granted.
This is also where supporting small businesses becomes so important. When we choose to purchase seafood from local fish markets, small fisheries, or family-owned seafood businesses, we’re doing more than just buying dinner. We’re helping support the people and communities behind those products. We’re recognizing the time and effort that goes into their work and helping keep those traditions alive. But there’s another part of this conversation that’s just as important to me, and that’s sustainability.
As someone who cares deeply about marine conservation, I believe we have to find ways to support the people who depend on the ocean while also protecting the marine life and ecosystems that make their livelihoods possible. Those two things shouldn’t have to work against each other. In fact, I think they need each other.
Responsible fishing practices help ensure that fish populations have the opportunity to replenish, habitats remain healthy, and future generations can continue to enjoy the same resources we have today. And there are fishermen and small seafood businesses out there who genuinely care about that. They’re not just thinking about today’s catch. They’re thinking about the future of the waters they depend on.
Of course, not every seafood product is harvested the same way, and buying local doesn’t automatically mean something is sustainable. That’s why I think one of the best things we can do as consumers is simply start asking questions. Where did this seafood come from? Was it wild-caught or farm-raised? What fishing methods were used? Is it coming from a responsibly managed fishery?
We don’t have to know every scientific detail or become experts on seafood labels to make more thoughtful choices. Sometimes it starts with a conversation at a seafood counter, getting to know a local fisherman, or taking a few minutes to learn about the seafood we’re buying. And I think there’s something really special about that connection. Instead of seafood just being another item we pick up at the grocery store, it becomes something we understand and appreciate a little more.
I also think it’s important to remember that supporting small fishing communities doesn’t mean ignoring the environmental challenges that come with fishing. Overfishing, bycatch, lost fishing gear, and habitat damage are real concerns, and they’re things we need to continue addressing. But I don’t believe the answer is to overlook the people who are trying to do things responsibly. We should be encouraging better practices, supporting those making an effort, and helping create a future where healthy oceans and thriving fishing communities can exist together.
With Thanksgiving approaching, I think this is the perfect time to extend our gratitude beyond our own dinner tables. We often thank the person who prepared the meal, but what about the people who helped bring those ingredients to us in the first place? The fishermen heading out onto the water, the small businesses preparing and selling fresh seafood, and the coastal families who have dedicated so much of their lives to this work deserve our appreciation, too.
Even if you don’t live near the coast, you can still make a difference. Supporting a small seafood business when you can, choosing responsibly sourced seafood, learning more about where your food comes from, or simply sharing the importance of sustainable fishing are all ways to show that support. For me, being passionate about ocean conservation has never just been about protecting marine animals. It’s also about understanding how connected we all are to the ocean, including the people who rely on it every single day.
So this November, as we reflect on what we’re thankful for, I hope we also remember the hardworking people behind our seafood and the ocean that provides so much for all of us. When we learn to appreciate where our food comes from, I think we also learn to appreciate why protecting those resources matters, and that’s something worth being thankful for.
