Tag: Fish sentience

Over 50% of all vertebrate species are fishes, and science has proven they are sentient beings who feel pain. So, why is fish not vegan? This is a fundamental question for anyone exploring a plant-based diet, as the practice of veganism is defined by the avoidance of all animal exploitation.

According to the UN, over 90 million tonnes of fish were caught from the ocean in 2018, contributing to severe environmental consequences. Many people are curious why do some vegans avoid fish, often mistakenly believing that veganism only excludes land animals.

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), over one-third of the world's fish stocks are overfished, a situation that prompts many to question the ethics of their seafood consumption. For conscientious eaters, this raises a crucial question: is there any truly ethical way to eat fish without contributing to environmental damage or animal cruelty?

Recent scientific studies confirm that fish are sentient beings capable of experiencing pain and fear, challenging long-held assumptions. This recognition forms the ethical foundation for why vegans extend their philosophy to include fish, citing cruelty, environmental devastation, and serious health risks as reasons to exclude them from their diet.

Over 2 trillion fishes are killed annually for human consumption worldwide. This staggering figure highlights the scale of an industry that vegans reject based on ethical concerns about animal sentience, severe environmental damage, and worrying health implications of eating fish.