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It goes without saying that boating and seafood go together like the proverbial apple pie and ice cream. Nothing compares to a nice filet off the grill at the end of a long day in the sun. If you possess the skills and the gear to haul dinner out of the deep you are usually in little danger of harming the ecosystem as long as you adhere to the regulations and catch limits in the areas you frequent.

For those of us who are less talented in the fine arts of fishing, however, a more likely scenario involves heading to the local market and stocking a cooler full of seafood for a weekend on the water. By now, most folks are aware of the many health benefits to be had from the fruits of the sea. But how often do we consider the impact our seafood choices have on the health of the Planet around us?

Like everything we consume, seafood is a resource, subject to the same pressures and market forces that affect anything of value. An obvious example of what is wrong with the current way this resource is being managed can be found in the headline stories of Bluefin Tuna fetching $100,000 or more in the Tokyo fish markets. While some folks might chalk this madness up to decadent millionaires willing to spend anything on a meal just because they can, the reality is much more bleak for one of Nature’s most majestic creatures.

By all accounts Bluefin fishery stocks are on the verge of extinction, having been fished to the brink with little if any thought to the future. Economics 101 dictates that scarcity creates value. When people want something and they have trouble getting it, they usually become willing to pay more. 99.9% of us cannot imagine spending six figures on a single fish, but the fact is the .1% who can is willing to spend big regardless of the consequences.

Once considered to be the provider of an endless bounty, the Ocean has been swept clean. Dig a little online or in your bookstore and you will be shocked by the statistics. If there is any place on Earth where the Wild West mentality of “get what you can while you can” is at work it is in the offshore fishing fleets. Sure, there are rules and regulations governing coastal waters that provide a degree of comfort to those of us who want our grandkids to experience the thrill of hauling in a big one. And there are also remarkable examples of fisheries like Alaska where sustainable practices have been recognized as the key to long term survival.

For the most part, though, the damage being done to bring fresh fish to market is out of control. Bottom trawlers that rip up the sea bed, long lines that kill everything, drift nets that do the same, helicopter-guided catch boats, fish finders with military grade electronics, and good old fashioned greed are just a few of the culprits driving the demise of our fisheries.

While concerned parties argue for tougher rules and regulations to combat these practices - as they should -the most effective way for the average person to make a difference now is to let your wallet do the talking. By refusing to purchase seafood that is not harvested sustainably we can all make a very real, very positive impact on the world around us.

So how do we make the right choices?

Until recently there has been a lack of current information out there for folks looking to make informed decisions about what ends up on their plate. Through the dedicated efforts of our friends at the Blue Ocean Institute things are changing for the better in this regard.

Available for free, the Blue Ocean Institute Guide to Ocean Friendly Seafood is a simple, yet powerful tool anyone can use to help reverse the harm being done. Updated regularly, this handy guide lets you know in easy to understand terms what is good and what is bad about the seafood options you might consider. A color coded key lets you see at a glance which species are in trouble, which are doing fine, and which are on the fence. A brief sentence or two accompanies each description so you can see exactly what factors go into these rankings. In addition, species prone to mercury concentrations and other health hazards are highlighted too.

Anyone who has ever bought anything at www.greenboatstuff.com has received one of the printed versions of this guide with their order. Foldable into the size of a business card, the guide fits in a wallet or purse with ease. The most current version can be downloaded directly from The Blue Ocean Institute through the following link http://blueoceaninstitute.com/pdfs/miniguide_color.pdf

Cell phone and PDA users can visit www.fishphone.org and download a version straight to your favorite communication device.

For the truly advanced, texting “Fish” and the species name to 30644 will provide instant feedback you can use to make the right call. Not to digress, but guys, if you’re looking for a way to impress that special someone, try this trick at dinner and you are sure to score points you just can’t put a price tag on.

There is even a new Sushi Friendly guide at http://blueoceaninstitute.com/pdfs/oceanfriendlysushi.pdf