Sustainable Sourcing: Mermaid Fishing Methods Compared
Whaling, longlines, nets and the ethics of bycatch, all reviewed against a quota of zero.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- —
- Total
- 15 min
- Serves
- 1 (1 informed shopper)
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Cuisine
- Maritime
- Course
- Technique
The story
Every responsible cook should know where their mythical seafood comes from. I spent a season with the fleet so you don't have to. The fleet was one rowboat and a man named Gary.
We compared the main methods on cost, catch rate and sustainability. The results were consistent.
Ingredients
- 1 rowboat
- 1 Gary, optional, unreliable
- 1 tin earwax
Equipment
- Rowboat
- Net (mostly decorative)
- Earwax
- A quota of zero, strictly enforced
Method
- Choose your method from the comparison in the chef's notes.
- Go to sea. Wait. ⏱ 8 hr
- Return to port and report your catch (zero). Congratulations, you are now a sustainable fishery.
Substitutions
- If you actually want sustainable seafood, look for a real certified-sustainable label from a reputable scheme.
Storage and leftovers
Store nets dry. Store expectations low.
Nutrition (per serving, allegedly)
| Catch | 0 |
|---|---|
| Bycatch | boots |
Tags: Sourcing Sustainability Technique