A Month for Global Marine Impact: 71Blue Joins Fish Free February
A collective effort to uncover the overlooked pressures on our ocean and inspire meaningful action
Fish Free February, founded by marine biologist and underwater photographer Simon Hilbourne, is preparing for its sixth annual campaign. This year, the initiative is joined by 71Blue, an ocean impact accelerator that empowers people and communities worldwide to take action for the ocean.
Both organisations are united by a commitment to real-world impact and are encouraging individuals to cut seafood from their diet for one month this February, replacing it with plant-based alternatives.
The campaign comes at a critical time. The planet is currently facing a biodiversity crisis, with recent estimates suggesting species extinctions are occurring at rates 10 to 100 times higher than the natural baseline. Overfishing and destructive fishing practices remain the greatest immediate threats to ocean biodiversity. Despite this, global demand for seafood continues to rise. According to the FAO, aquatic animal production is expected to increase by 10% by 2032, reaching 205 million tonnes.
The message is clear: those with the ability to choose must consume less seafood and do so more sustainably. More than one third of global marine fish populations are currently overfished, placing immense pressure on targeted species and bycatch alike. This imbalance disrupts food chains and threatens entire marine ecosystems.
“Humans are taking far too many fish and other marine species from the sea,” said Simon Hilbourne, founder of Fish Free February. “We simply must reduce the number of fish being caught. The best way to do that is to stop or greatly reduce eating seafood.”
By visiting www.fishfreefebruary.com/pledge, supporters can take part in this simple yet powerful action by exploring a range of plant-based recipes and committing to a seafood-free month.
“Partnering with Fish Free February is an opportunity to inspire action for our oceans,” said Mirta Lorenzini, Director at 71Blue. “Wherever you are in the world, small everyday choices can create real impact. Even when the challenges seem enormous, hope grows when we act together.”
About Fish Free February
Fish Free February is a UK-registered charity that works through education, advocacy, and community engagement to highlight the environmental impacts of the fishing industry. The organisation promotes sustainable alternatives to help protect marine ecosystems.
About 71Blue
71Blue is an ocean impact accelerator specialising in empowering people through knowledge and funding to turn innovative ideas into tangible solutions for marine conservation and resilience.
Photo credit: Simon Hilbourne
