Written by: Michael G. McManus (FG Staff Journalist) & Jarsto van Santen (FG Managing News Director)

World Ocean day, a day to honor the oceans and celebrate the diversity of live they harbor, was celebrated a week ago (June 8). But marine biologists worldwide agree that fish stocks are in trouble. The Atlantic Cod fishery is in severe decline from Maritime Canada to Europe’s North Sea. Orange Roughy, Mediterranean Bluefin Tuna and Chilean Sea Bass are in similar distress.

California’s Monterey Bay Aquarium - known to many people as the backdrop for several scenes in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home - has started the Seafood Watch program to do something about falling fish stocks.

Ironically the Aquarium is partly housed in buildings originally built as a Sardine cannery. The cannery closed in the 1970’s when fish stocks collapsed due to over fishing, precisely the problem the Aquarium is now trying to fight with the Seafood Watch program.

Scientists at the Aquarium have developed this program to help the public make informed decisions about their seafood choices. The program makes free informational pocket cards available to consumers, along with free DVDs that fully explain the program.

Pocket cards are available for 7 different regions of North America. They categorize aquatic species under: Best Choices, Good Alternatives, and Avoid.

You can find out more about the program and the materials available here