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Ocean science and advocacy work better when decolonized

Nature Ecology & Evolution volume 5, pages 709–710 (2021)Cite this article

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Ocean conservation is needed within various and complex contexts. A nuanced understanding of this will bring better results for the global oceans, argues Dyhia Belhabib.

The conclusion that the world should turn vegan to protect the oceans is embedded in white privilege and colonialism. It reflects the lack of inclusion of minority groups in ocean research and fisheries, and their under-representation among experts in these fields. The simplistic concept ignores that more than 90% of the global fishing effort is small-scale and coastal in nature but its catch accounts for only a quarter of all fisheries catches globally1, and that 3.2 billion people rely on fish as a source of protein.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Ecotrust Canada, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

    Dyhia Belhabib

  2. Shackleton Research Trust, Palm Beach, FL, USA

    Dyhia Belhabib

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  1. Dyhia Belhabib
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Correspondence to Dyhia Belhabib.

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Belhabib, D. Ocean science and advocacy work better when decolonized. Nat Ecol Evol 5, 709–710 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41559-021-01477-1

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