Fish Amnesty Day
September 26
About Fish Amnesty Day
Fish Amnesty Day takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Created by the animal rights organisation PETA, the day asks people to recognise fish as intelligent, sentient animals that feel pain, and to reconsider the way they are treated. It is observed internationally and falls on the fourth Saturday of September each year.
What is Fish Amnesty Day?
Fish Amnesty Day is an annual observance dedicated to the welfare of fish, a group of animals often overlooked even within animal advocacy. It was established by PETA to highlight scientific evidence that fish have advanced nervous systems, experience pain and stress, and lead complex social lives. The day is aimed at anyone willing to reconsider how fish are caught, kept, and consumed, and it encourages compassion towards marine and freshwater life alike.
When is Fish Amnesty Day?
Fish Amnesty Day falls on Saturday, 26 September 2026. Unlike many awareness days, it does not have a fixed calendar date: it is held on the fourth Saturday of September every year, so the exact date shifts from one year to the next. The table below shows the date for the next five years.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Saturday, 26 September |
| 2027 | Saturday, 25 September |
| 2028 | Saturday, 23 September |
| 2029 | Saturday, 22 September |
| 2030 | Saturday, 28 September |
Why Fish Amnesty Day Matters
Fish are the most numerous vertebrates killed by humans, yet they rarely attract the same concern as mammals or birds. Research increasingly shows that fish are far more sophisticated than once assumed: they have nervous systems that process and respond to pain, they form complex social structures, and they recognise and communicate with members of their shoal. Studies have found that some fish use tools, learn from one another, and can even pass on knowledge. Fish Amnesty Day asks people to weigh this evidence and to extend the same compassion to fish that many already show to other animals.
How to Get Involved in Fish Amnesty Day
There are many ways to take part, from quiet personal choices to public advocacy.
- Learn about fish intelligence – Read about the science of fish cognition and pain so your views are grounded in evidence rather than assumption.
- Skip fishing for the day – If you fish, consider giving it a miss on 26 September, or practising catch-and-release with care if you do go out.
- Try a fish-free meal – Swap seafood for a plant-based alternative and explore the growing range of fish substitutes.
- Care responsibly for pet fish – If you keep an aquarium, make sure the tank is the right size, clean, and well suited to the species.
- Support marine conservation – Donate to or volunteer with an organisation working to protect fish populations and their habitats.
- Choose sustainable options – If you do eat fish, look for credible sustainability certifications to reduce the impact of your choices.
- Spread the message – Share facts about fish welfare online to help others see fish as the sentient animals research shows them to be.
History of Fish Amnesty Day
Fish Amnesty Day was first introduced by PETA in 1997. The organisation created it deliberately to coincide with, and to offer a counterpoint to, National Hunting and Fishing Day in the United States, which falls on the fourth Saturday of September.
The goal was not simply to oppose fishing but to challenge the widespread assumption that fish do not feel pain or matter morally. PETA argued that fish are routinely left out of conversations about animal welfare, even by people who care deeply about other creatures, and the day was designed to correct that oversight.
Since 1997, Fish Amnesty Day has been marked with campaigns, educational materials, and public stunts, including proposals to replace fishing-themed statues with fish-friendly alternatives. The day continues to be observed each year on the fourth Saturday of September. Those who care about marine life more broadly may also wish to mark World Oceans Day in June.
Noteworthy Facts About Fish Amnesty Day
- Fish Amnesty Day was created by PETA in 1997.
- It was timed to coincide with National Hunting and Fishing Day in the United States.
- It is held on the fourth Saturday of September each year, so the date changes annually.
- Research shows fish have nervous systems that process and respond to pain.
- Fish are known to form social structures, use tools, and learn from one another.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Fish Amnesty Day?
Fish Amnesty Day is an annual observance, created by PETA, that asks people to recognise fish as sentient animals capable of feeling pain and to reconsider how they are treated.
When is Fish Amnesty Day in 2026?
It takes place on Saturday, 26 September 2026. The day falls on the fourth Saturday of September each year, so the date varies.
Who started Fish Amnesty Day?
It was started by the animal rights organisation PETA in 1997, deliberately timed to coincide with National Hunting and Fishing Day.
Spread the Word
Help raise awareness by sharing Fish Amnesty Day with your friends, family, and followers. Use the hashtags #FishAmnestyDay and #FishAmnestyDay2026 on social media. The more people who understand that fish are sentient, the greater the compassion shown towards them.
Related Awareness Days
- World Oceans Day – Focuses on the health of the seas and the life they support, including fish.
- World Sea Turtle Day – Another day dedicated to protecting vulnerable marine animals.
- World Horseshoe Crab Day – Raises awareness of a lesser-known but ecologically vital sea creature.
Links
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