Aquaman Could Use PETA Supporters’ Help in Saving the Oceans
In James Wan’s Aquaman, starring Jason Momoa, environmentalism drives the plot. Sea animals are depicted as being choked by plastic, and oceans dwellers are on the brink of war against the dirty landlubbers who are polluting the ocean. But if Aquaman thinks that consumer pollution involving plastics, such as bags and straws, and chemical dumps are doing the most damage to the sea, boy do we have bad news for the king.
Given that Atlanteans are depicted as eating fish, the characters in the film seem barely concerned with the real-life catastrophe of commercial fishing, which is driven by human consumption of fish flesh. Nearly a third of the world’s fisheries are on the brink of collapse because of fishing. Boats haul up tens of thousands of fish in one load, keeping only the most profitable and killing hundreds of thousands of “nontarget” animals (such as rays, dolphins, and crabs) in the process.
As if emptying the oceans weren’t horrible enough, plastic fishing nets are often abandoned, killing even more animals.
Research has shown that abandoned fishing gear is the most harmful form of marine debris for animals. This abandoned gear—also known as “ghost gear”—kills and mutilates millions of sea animals every year.
Slow-degrading plastics add to ocean acidification, and fishing nets are certainly doing their part. National Geographic found that 46 percent of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch—the world’s largest collection of floating trash—consists of “abandoned fishing gear.”
Our Oceans Need Real Heroes Like You Right Now
Sure, human beings may look different from fish, but when it comes to important qualities, such as the ability to feel excitement, create family bonds, cherish life, and experience pain, we’re all the same.
“I never eat anyone I know personally. I wouldn’t deliberately eat a grouper any more than I’d eat a cocker spaniel. They’re so good-natured, so curious. You know, fish are sensitive, they have personalities, they hurt when they’re wounded.”
—Dr. Sylvia Earle, leading marine biologist
The best thing that you can do for all the animals in the seven seas and on land as well as for the planet is to go vegan today. In just one year, you’ll save nearly 200 animals from a senseless and terrifying death. With so many delicious vegan options, there’s simply no need to eat fish.
Break the demand for fish flesh—order a free vegan starter kit from PETA.
