Founded by a group of marine biologists, Know Your Fish is a voluntary initiative that works towards an ocean-friendly lifestyle. Upon identifying a significant gap between scientific research and public understanding regarding sustainable seafood choices, Know Your Fish officially launched their website in 2017, encouraging and empowering consumers to eat seafood responsibly by providing informed choices that are based on a compilation of decades of marine research. As a team of researchers who love the ocean, marine life, and seafood, Know Your Fish aims to help anyone who loves seafood make choices that are sensitive to our oceans and people. Edited excerpts from the interview with Pooja Rathod and Mayuresh Gangal, co- founders of Know Your Fish.

Know Your Fish Seafood Calendar

We developed a calendar by analysing the breeding seasons of commercially available fish species along the West Coast of India, utilising published literature to identify the months during which each species carries eggs. For instance, the breeding season of the Kingfish occurs from March to June. This assessment encompasses over 40 fish species and accounts for collateral damage, as Indian fisheries typically operate as multi-species environments. To inform our recommendations on species to avoid during their breeding periods, we considered the breeding seasons of by-catch species as well. Fish were categorised based on gear type, including bottom trawling, mid-water trawling, and various gill nets. Our concise presentation of breeding seasons aims to facilitate informed decisions while promoting the conservation of all fish species caught simultaneously. This is the framework of the Know Your Fish calendar

This monthly calendar, accessible via our website and social media platforms, aims to raise awareness about our initiative. We are dedicated to expanding our influence beyond the calendar itself. Our website offers a wealth of informative resources and presentations that can be freely shared. Additionally, we partnered with Spiders and the Sea to implement a yearlong educational program in schools in Bangalore and Mangalore, featuring both online and offline classes for students of all ages. Incorporating this awareness into school curricula could further enhance its positive impact. Read more about Know Your Fish Calendar here: https://www.knowyourfish.org.in/calendarexplained

Fish With Eggs – A Citizen Science Project



We have initiated a citizen science project called Fish with Eggs, addressing discrepancies reported by users of the Know Your Fish calendar who found fish eggs outside the recommended breeding seasons. Given that our calendar relies on published research, it may not accurately reflect current breeding patterns influenced by global climate change. To enhance the calendar's relevance, we encourage users to report any instances of finding eggs in fish, regardless of the month. Accumulating this data will allow us to refine our recommendations based on real-world observations. Learn more about this citizen science project here: https://www.knowyourfish.org.in/citizenscience

Addressing Overfishing and Marine Life Sustainability

Overfishing occurs when fish populations are depleted beyond sustainable levels due to factors such as increased demand for specific species, advancements in fishing technology, and government subsidies for the fishing industry. This depletion can lead to ecological collapse. Individuals can combat overfishing by educating themselves and advocating for more responsible fishing policies. Understanding species biology, particularly the vulnerability of slower-reproducing species like sharks compared to faster-breeding species like mackerel, is essential for making informed choices. The destructive nature of certain fishing methods, such as trawling, which leads to significant bycatch, further complicates the issue. Consumers play a crucial role in promoting sustainable practices by diversifying their seafood choices and supporting responsible fishing methods. Recognising fish as wildlife with complex life cycles rather than simply as food is vital for maintaining ecological balance.

UN SDG 9 Life Below Water