Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch

Potential solutions to try to combat against the effects of agricultural runoff include the created government funded programs in which farmers can gain better insight on efficient management approaches in order to avoid further NPS pollution, such as nitrogen pollution. The US Department of Agriculture has also established while working with state governments, cost-share programs, technical assistance, and incentives to prevent NPS pollution through aiding in efficient management practices. As a result of HABs and their toxins, local fisheries have had to temporarily manage the seasons in which they are able to harvest and catch certain species of seafood all in order to prevent illness through consumption. This in return adds more pressures on local economies, but at the same time protects consumers and makes many people aware of the

The following statements are the Seafood Watch’s message to the public: the “program helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that’s fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean, now and for future generations. Our recommendations indicate which seafood items are best choices or good alternatives, and which ones you should avoid” (Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation 2018). Even though this program focuses on the general safety, fishery management practices, and sources regarding which seafood is sustainable, they also keep track of potential chemical poisoning of seafood (such as mercury, lead, and other chemical levels). This allows the public to become aware of HAB effects and other causes of toxicity within different seasons of harvesting. The Monterey Bay Aquarium also performs conservation measures and spreads awareness about the other pollutant, which will be mentioned later