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)