Fish Amnesty Day is observed on the fourth Saturday in September every year, on September 28 this year. The day aims to create awareness about marine life, especially those of the fish. Just like other animals, fish also deserve our respect and protection. Overfishing, oil spillages, climate change, and many other reasons are responsible for the dwindling fish population. Be it ponds or oceans, fish constitute a huge chunk of marine life. They keep the ecosystem in check and the food chain going. Fish Amnesty Day reminds us of the important roles that fish play in nature. On this day, learn more about different varieties of fish and what you can do to protect them.
History of Fish Amnesty Day
PETA first introduced Fish Amnesty Day in 1997. This day was started to remind people that fish should be respected and not killed aimlessly. PETA advocates for fish rights because they tend to be left out or forgotten, even by animal advocates. Some people tend to give up animal meat but continue to consume fish. In fact, more fish are killed for food each year than all other animals combined! This is worsened by the belief that a lot of us have — that fish aren’t able to feel pain.
Fish are truly fascinating animals. Apart from being breathtakingly beautiful, they come in a wide range of colors and varieties. Every region on the planet is blessed with a bounty of different kinds of fish. They have distinct personalities, just like other animals and humans. Fish tend to be quite social, too. With sophisticated societal structures, they can recognize and communicate with other fish in their school. They can use tools to accomplish tasks, pass on knowledge to and learn from one another, and even pick up the languages of other fish. Fish also have advanced nervous systems that process and respond to pain.
With no laws protecting them from cruelty, fish are often impaled on hooks, removed from the water, and suffocated. Their mouths are ripped open as hooks are pried out, they’re hit in the head with blunt objects, and they’re sliced open and disemboweled while still alive. The extent of animal cruelty that fish face has consistently astonished animal rights activists and researchers.
Fish Amnesty Day timeline
Ponds are constructed to farm fish.
Deep-sea fishing begins for people to source food.
The rich start fly fishing for recreation.
PETA is founded by Ingrid Newkirk and Alex Pacheco.
Fish Amnesty Day FAQs
What class is a fish in?
Fish are typically divided into three groups: superclass Agnatha (jawless fish), class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish), and superclass Osteichthyes (bony fish).
Which fish can live over 100 years?
The coelacanth — a giant weird fish still around from dinosaur times — can live for 100 years, a new study found.
Can a fish feel pain?
At the anatomical level, fish have neurons known as nociceptors, which detect potential harm, such as high temperatures, intense pressure, and caustic chemicals.
How to Observe Fish Amnesty Day
Promote vegetarianism
Fish is one of the most widely eaten animals across the world. On Fish Amnesty Day, eat meals that are devoid of any fish and other animal products.
Read about fish cruelty
You might be well aware of the cruelties faced by animals but fish cruelty remains relatively lesser-known. Know more about the issue and look for ways to help out.
Go scuba diving
If you live near the sea, go snorkeling or scuba diving on Fish Amnesty Day to appreciate the different varieties of fish that exist in the sea.
5 Facts About Fish That Will Blow Your Mind
Their sense of taste is well developed
Most fish have taste buds all over their body.
Lipstick contains fish parts
Most brands of lipstick contain fish scales.
Seahorses are unique
Seahorses are unique
Fish have only recently become pets
It was not until 1853, when aeration and filtration of water were understood, that people were able to keep fish as pets.
They’ve been around since forever
Fish have been on the earth for more than 450 million years.
Why Fish Amnesty Day is Important
It protects the fish
Just like every animal, fish deserve respect and protection. Fish Amnesty Day aims to treat every fish respectfully.
It makes us kind
Fish Amnesty Day teaches us to be respectful to every living being around us, no matter how small they might be. This makes us kinder and mindful people.
It’s good for the environment
Since Fish Amnesty Day is all about protecting fish, the celebrations also look for ways to stabilize the dwindling fish population. This helps maintain the ecological balance.
Fish Amnesty Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | September 24 | Saturday |
| 2023 | September 23 | Saturday |
| 2024 | September 28 | Saturday |
| 2025 | September 27 | Saturday |
| 2026 | September 26 | Saturday |
| 2027 | September 25 | Saturday |
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