What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of seafood? (Besides some idiot mumbling, “See food!” as he proceeds to unveil what amazing thing he’s masticating in his jowls for all to see.) Does Deadliest Catch come to mind, maybe? Or the Modest Mouse King Rat video? Whatever it is, it probably involves some men in plastic-looking coats out on the open sea, dragging in nets of catch to be used at your nearest Long John Silver’s.

But in reality, more than half of the world’s seafood comes from fish farming, or aquaculture. This means that the fish are actually raised in enclosures, specifically for eating. It’s like cattle herding underwater. And like cattle farming, fish farming needs some hefty regulations to keep it safe, sustainable, and ethical.

The thing is, raising fish for consumption can really help the population of our wild game—if done properly. After all, overfishing is still a problem in many areas; why not breed fish in captivity to be used as seafood and remedy the problem that way?

It is a valid solution, when carried out with regulations and an overall plan. However, the industry itself lacks the proper regulation it needs to help with the problem, causing it to only exacerbate our fishing issues as they currently stand.

Right now, the Gulf of Mexico, the New England Coast, and the Pacific Coast are all threatened because of this poorly watched industry. According to Ocean Conservancy, the fish farming in these areas are causing major problems, including chemical pollution, the spread of disease among the fish and other wildlife, and the accidental bycatch of other creatures, like sharks, seals,  and birds, through the use of poorly regulated fish pens.

If these conditions interest you, please be sure to contact your representative here and voice your concerns. Tell him or her that you wish to support national fish farming standards to be put into place as soon as possible, that you are in favor of the National Sustainable Offshore Aquaculture Act, and that you care about the marine life of the United States.

There is an automatic form you can send; however, adding your own comments adds power to your message. You may wish to mention that you want these wild fish, birds, and other creatures to be around for your grandchildren to see and that you’d hate to see them wiped out in your own lifetime when it could have easily been prevented.