Sardines are in vogue. Literally. They are in Vogue magazine. They’re delicious (subjectively), good for you, and sustainable… right?

Recently, a listener called into the show asking about just that.

“I've always had this sense that they're a more environmentally friendly fish, perhaps because of being low on the food chain. But I'm realizing I really have no sense of what it looks like to actually fish for sardines,” Jeannie told us.

The Outside/In team got together to look beyond the sunny illustrations on the fish tins. Is there bycatch? What about emissions? Are sardines overfished? If we care about the health of the ocean, can we keep eating sardines?

Featuring Jeannie Bartlett, Malin Pinsky, and Zach Koehn.

To share your questions and feedback with Outside/In, call the show’s hotline and leave us a voicemail. The number is 1-844-GO-OTTER. No question is too serious or too silly.

For full credits and transcript, visit outsideinradio.org.

SUPPORT

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LINKS

If you’re interested in finding sustainable fisheries, our sources recommended checking out Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and the Marine Stewardship Council.

Sardines (specifically, Fishwife) in Vogue.

Why are tinned fishes in every boutique store, and why do all of those stores feel exactly the same? For Grub Street, Emily Sundberg reported on the digital marketplace behind the “shoppy shop.”

The documentary about the epic South African sardine run is “The Ocean’s Greatest Feast” on PBS.

Zach Koehn’s paper, “The role of seafood in sustainable diets.”

Malin Pinsky’s research found that small pelagic fish (like sardines, anchovies, and herring) are just as vulnerable to population collapse as larger, slower-growing species like tuna.

Explore the designs of historical Portuguese fish tins (Hyperallergic).

An animated reading of The Mousehole Cat

The last sardine cannery in the United States closed in 2010. But you can explore this archive of oral histories with former workers in Maine factories (many of them women and children).

The next blue moon isn’t until May 2026, but luckily for you, you won’t have to wait that long to hear the Outside/In team answering listeners’ questions. This time, we’re exploring why blue moons are cool (or even what the heck a blue moon even is) and other seasonably appropriate curiosities.

1. What’s all the fuss about a blue moon?
2. Should we leave the leaves?
3. Which is a more sustainable choice: real or fake Christmas trees?
4. What happens to Christmas tree stumps?
5. What does all that road salt do to the environment?

Featuring Asmeret Asefaw Berhe, Tim Gaudreau, Victoria Meert, and Sujay Kaushal.

Thanks to Outside/In listeners Zoe, Janet, Gio, Alexi, Prudence, Wendy, Mo, and Devon for their questions and contributions.

SUPPORT

Outside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member of Outside/In.

Follow Outside/In on Instagram or join our private discussion group on Facebook.

LINKS

Check out this study on the long-term impacts of leaf litter removal in suburban yards.

Looking for a creative and cute way to keep leaves in your lawn or garden? Consider building a “bug snug.”

Read about the mad dash for salt that rescued the 2014 Sochi Olympics’ ski events (NYT).

Learn more about the turn to beet juice and beer-based de-icers to reduce the harm of excess salt to the environment (AP News)

CREDITS

Host: Nate Hegyi

Reported, produced, and mixed by Felix Poon, Justine Paradis, and Marina Henke.

Edited by Taylor Quimby, Rebecca Lavoie, and Justine Paradis.

Our staff includes Kate Dario.

Executive producer: Taylor Quimby

Rebecca Lavoie is NHPR’s Director of On-Demand Audio

Music by Blue Dot Sessions, Jules Gaia, and Jharee.

Our theme music is by Breakmaster Cylinder.

Outside/In is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio

Submit a question to the “Outside/Inbox.” We answer queries about the natural world, climate change, sustainability, and human evolution. You can send a voice memo to outsidein@nhpr.org or leave a message on our hotline, 1-844-GO-OTTER (844-466-8837).

Appalachia is Bigfoot territory. In a big way. This week, we look at the mythical beast's legend, lore and sizable economic impact in the region. And we follow one reporter’s journey through the mountains and foothills of western North Carolina in search of Sasquatch.

This episode comes to us from the wonderful folks at The Broadside from North Carolina Public Radio, a weekly podcast exploring stories happening in their home at the crossroads of the American South. Other topics include how the world ‘y’all’ is taking over the world, the impact of dangerous heat on workers, and why cola became the king of beverages.

Featuring Emily Cataneo and Jerry Millwood.

SUPPORT

Outside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member.

Subscribe to our (free) newsletter.

Follow Outside/In on Instagram or Twitter, or join our private discussion group on Facebook.

LINKS

Check out Emily Cataneo’s story on Appalachian Bigfoot culture at The Assembly here.

CREDITS

Outside/In host: Nate Hegyi

Outside/In team: Justine Paradis, Felix Poon, Marina Henke, and Kate Dario.

Executive Producer: Taylor Quimby

Intro music by bomull.

NHPR’s Director of Podcasts is Rebecca Lavoie

Outside/In is a production of New Hampshire Public Radio.