Story Behind This Mural
Artist Statement
Inspired by Hawaiian mythology, I choose to represent the topic of overfishing with my interpretation of the sea goddess Nāmakaokahaʻi. Her waters are seen as empty and lacking life, this visual combined with a limited palette emphasizes a loss of color and vibrancy that our oceans once had. Highlighting a netted parrotfish (a species that is integral to the protection of coral reef health) which are severely overfished in Hawaii is another reminder of the many ways overfishing has an impact on our oceans. As an ARTivist it was very important to me to create a piece that was visually engaging, easy to understand and positive while still carrying a clear message.The Focus
OverfishingTake Action
If you do eat seafood (marine life), you can be a responsible consumer by:
- Choosing to eat species that are lower on the food chain. Think sardines over tuna.
- Refer to consumer guides such as Seafood Watch and only eat species that are considered sustainable.
- Look out for catch harvested using non-commercial, more sustainable fishing methods such as spearfishing and pole-and-line.