When The Future Is Felt

Artist Statement

In my time here in Cozumel and learning about the ever-growing list of the critical ocean and freshwater environmental issues - I am reminded of the privilege of choice and the conditioned entitlement that we as humans can learn to expect from this world and from each other. This same privilege of choice and entitlement does not lie with the oceans and the environment that we constantly take for granted. The reefs in the sea do not get to have a voice, nor do the fish and ocean life that we invade and consume. As humans, we do have the power to choose, consume responsibly and to learn of the ways we are damaging the world around us that gives us so much unconditionally and without choice. With this mural, I wanted to illustrate the story of consumption that we can often partake in without being aware of the repercussions that are in store for us and the lives we affect. In feeling the future that will be felt, I wanted to remind viewers that when foreseeing these concerns and as much as we can be reminded of them we can also do our part in making conscious changes that can make a huge effect. We all have a part to play within our lifetimes and it's about time to be accountable in our efforts in respiration. Whether it's fishing responsibly - allowing for the life cycles of sea life to regenerate and grow instead of taking everything before giving it a chance, or consuming fish consciously within our own means - looking into what types of fish are not threatened in your environment and sustainably farmed or harvested.

The Focus

Overfishing

Take 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.