After receiving feedback on the duration of the purse seine process, we’ve revised some of our earlier assumptions and updated the post accordingly. In light of that, we now think it’s more accurate to say that we simply don’t know whether death by purse seine fishing involves more or less suffering than typical natural deaths. The mechanisms differ, but without direct evidence comparing subjective experiences, it’s hard to draw strong conclusions either way.
Given that, I’d suggest that the indirect effects of food choices, particularly those related to land use, biodiversity loss, and climate change, may be more decisive from an animal welfare perspective. These broader impacts affect not only current individuals but also the long-term well-being and survival of many wild animals and ecosystems. So even if we can’t confidently compare direct suffering in one death scenario vs. another, reducing demand for foods that minimise land use change, such as sardines and anchovies, seems to be the preferable choice overall.
Clearly, though, there’s a need for more research.
After receiving feedback on the duration of the purse seine process, we’ve revised some of our earlier assumptions and updated the post accordingly. In light of that, we now think it’s more accurate to say that we simply don’t know whether death by purse seine fishing involves more or less suffering than typical natural deaths. The mechanisms differ, but without direct evidence comparing subjective experiences, it’s hard to draw strong conclusions either way.
Given that, I’d suggest that the indirect effects of food choices, particularly those related to land use, biodiversity loss, and climate change, may be more decisive from an animal welfare perspective. These broader impacts affect not only current individuals but also the long-term well-being and survival of many wild animals and ecosystems. So even if we can’t confidently compare direct suffering in one death scenario vs. another, reducing demand for foods that minimise land use change, such as sardines and anchovies, seems to be the preferable choice overall.
Clearly, though, there’s a need for more research.