Watch Sushi: The Global Catch

Sushi: The Global Catch is a 2011 documentary film that takes a deep dive into the global phenomenon of sushi, and the impact it has had on our world's marine ecosystems. This eye-opening film, directed by Mark Hall, explores the history and cultural significance of sushi, while also shedding light on the environmental issues related to its exponential growth in popularity.

Sushi: The Global Catch begins by introducing the viewer to the history and culture behind sushi. It delves deep into the origins of sushi, which can be traced all the way back to ancient Southeast Asia, and how it later spread to Japan. The film brings to light the fact that sushi was once considered just a simple street food, but it slowly evolved into a widely popular delicacy that reached global popularity.

The film features interviews with some of the most prominent sushi chefs in the world, like Jiro Ono and Nobu Matsuhisa, who provide insights into the artistry and precision required to create the perfect sushi. These seasoned veterans describe the dedication and skill it takes to master the craft of sushi-making: from selecting the finest ingredients, to the most delicate preparation, to the service style itself.

As the film progresses, it begins to shed light on the environmental consequences of our insatiable appetite for sushi. The documentary takes us on a journey through the fishing industry, where we learn about the global demand for sushi-grade fish, and how it has led to significant depletion of our oceans' populations.

The film illustrates that many sushi restaurants across the globe rely on bluefin tuna, considered the "king of sushi," which are in danger of extinction. The documentary reveals that the problem lies in the way the fishing industry operates, which frequently involves overfishing and the use of destructive fishing methods, resulting in the collapse of entire ecosystems.

Sushi: The Global Catch also dives into the issue of sushi fraud, a phenomenon where sushi restaurants substitute cheaper fish for the expensive sushi-grade fish like bluefin tuna. The film shows how this has been a prevalent problem in various countries, leading to legal action against some restaurants who have been exposed.

However, the film does not just focus on the negatives; it also highlights the ways in which people are trying to change the sushi industry for the better. The film profiles sustainable sushi enthusiasts and activists, who are leading the charge for sustainable fishing practices and harvesting techniques. The film showcases some of the solutions being proposed across the world, including developing sustainable fisheries, using more effective methods to reduce harm to the oceanic ecosystem, and even aquaculture.

Overall, Sushi: The Global Catch is a brilliantly directed documentary that takes a critical look at the environmental impact of our sushi habits. It shows us the human cost of our global appetite for seafood, including the loss of marine biodiversity and economic damage to coastal communities. The film is a call to action to rethink our approach to sushi, and to embrace sustainable practices that will enable us to enjoy sushi delicacies without wreaking havoc on our oceans’ ecosystems. Sushi: The Global Catch is a must-watch for sushi lovers and anyone who wants to learn more about the state of our global fishing industry.

Sushi: The Global Catch is a 2012 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 57.