This year, in honor of the fifth annual Respect for Fish Day, we are turning our attention to raising awareness about fish sentience. Join us in person in San Francisco, online, or both, as we explore the fascinating evidence of fish intelligence and their emotional capacity, and learn why it's crucial to respect and protect our aquatic friends. 

Respect for Fish Day began in 2019 as a day to bring fish into the spotlight of animal advocacy. Fish are all too often thought of as less important beings because they are not perceived as sentient or intelligent by the general public. They are also animals who are harder to relate to, as they live underwater and their suffering goes largely unseen. As our educational pamphlets specify, these most abused animals cannot scream.

In previous years, our focus has been on the “pet” trade, fishing, and ghost gear. Last year we addressed fish farming and showcased human connections to fish through mermaids! Now, our focus is on recognizing fish sentience so that we can extend respect to these beings. We have two events that we’d love for you to join!

In-Person Fish Tales Event

Join in at an impactful and fun event to celebrate fish, all marine life, and the oceans! We'll have featured speakers and activists telling their Fish Tales — personal, heartfelt stories about why they stopped eating fish, which we will film and publicize. There will be opportunities to share your own story too! We invite you to dress in anything mermaid or ocean-related.

Come make new friends and let's build a larger community of fish advocates! Our in-person Fish Tales Event will raise awareness about fish sentience and the cruel and destructive nature of the fishing industry, and encourage people to respect all animals by leaving them alone and off our plates.

What: Fish Tales Outreach - Respect for Fish Day

When: Saturday, August 3, from 12-3 p.m. PT

Where: Aquatic Park, San Francisco

The event will be held near the intersection of Van Ness and Beach, just west of the Maritime Museum on the grass in front of the Bocce Ball courts.

Join Us: Register to attend on our Facebook Event Page, and share the event with friends!

Virtual Fish Sentience Expert Panel

Our panel discussion with fish scientists and experts will dive deep into the fascinating world of fish sentience, exploring the science behind their complex behaviors and emotional capacities. Our panel will discuss why understanding fish sentience is crucial and how this knowledge can contribute toward treating fish with the respect and compassion they deserve.

What:  Fish Sentience Expert Panel 

When: Thursday, August 1, 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET

Where: This is a virtual event! Please register on Zoom. 

Invite your friends using the Facebook event page.

If you can’t attend these events, you can still learn more about why protecting fish is important and what we’re doing by checking our Fish campaign and Respect for Fish Day.