This episode unravels the discrepancy between the illusion of oceanic abundance that our modern pescatarian diets are premised upon, and the reality of our waterways. To tell this story, I travel through Goa’s fish markets, seafood restaurants and jetties with marine biologist and Goa native – Aaron Lobo. We discuss how the modern fishing industry is depleting ocean life at an alarming rate, the implications of promoting the dinner plate-sized filet, and seeing fish as superfoods. It is quite apparent that there are not that many fish in the sea after all, but rather than making a case to stop fish eating, Aaron suggests something more compelling as a solution.
Topics covered in this episode:

Min 1:20 : An intro to Bad Table Manners
Min 3:27 : Meet Aaron Lobo
Min 4:16 : Reconnecting with the food system
Min 4:51 : Meet Samanth Subramanium
Min 5:06 : Goa’s economy of idleness
Min 6:30 : The performativity of modern-day fish markets
Min 11:20 : From artisanal fishing to bottom trawling
Min 18:55 : The importance of bycatch to ecology and food security
Min 24:18 : A case for eating lower down the marine food web
Min 26:37 : An author’s reflections on fishing
Min 28:54 : Globalization’s contribution to the arrival of new species in Goa
Min 32:00 : Steps to a better system

Learn more about this episode of Bad Table Manners at www.whetstoneradio.com, on IG and Twitter at @whetstoneradio, and YouTube at WhetstoneRadio.
Guest: Aaron Lobo (@meenscientist)