23 saved#4,193 of 6,224

Fish Amnesty Day

Make a splash for Fish Amnesty Day! Today, we honor our finned friends and reflect on our impact on aquatic life!

Saturday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATEFourth Saturday in September

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYAwareness

SUBCATEGORYAnimal Welfare

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Time to jump into action for Fish Amnesty Day! Falling on the fourth Saturday of September, this unique day bucks the traditional fishing celebration and instead turns it on its head: Fish Amnesty Day advocates for fish and promotes respecting their rights. Conceptualized in the 1980s by PETA, this day of observation is a thought-provoking alternative to National Fishing Day, favoring catch and release, fish-friendly activities, or even just leaving our aquatic friends in peace. It's the perfect occasion to explore our relationship with these wonderful creatures and the depths that they call home. So, let's celebrate wet and wild, give our scale-covered friends their due respect, and enjoy this special day dedicated to them!

TIMELINE

Fish Amnesty Day Timeline

Creation of Fish Amnesty Day

Fish Amnesty Day was conceptualized by PETA as a response to National Fishing Day to promote respect and rights for fish.

Growing Awareness

Throughout the 1990s, awareness of Fish Amnesty Day grew, drawing national attention to issues of fishing and marine conservation.

Shift to Educational Programs

Emphasis was placed on educational programs discussing marine conservation and statutes protecting fish habitats and species.

Global Recognition

Fish Amnesty Day gained significant global recognition with activities and events spread across various countries.

Increased Online Engagement

With the rise of social media, Fish Amnesty Day saw increased online participation with hashtags and digital campaigns.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Fish Amnesty Day

Sponsor a local water clean-up

Many communities have local bodies of water that could use some attention. Organize a clean-up event where participants pick up trash and waste in and around these areas to create a more inviting habitat for the fish.

ADOPT

Adopt a fish

Consider adopting a fish as a pet to learn more about them and their needs. This can be a great way to foster understanding and compassion without impacting wild populations.

WATCH

Watch an aquatic-themed documentary

There are countless inspiring and enlightening documentaries that provide a look into underwater worlds and the threats faced by aquatic species. Choose one to watch as a fun and informative way to celebrate Fish Amnesty Day.

DONATE

Donate to a conservation group

There are many amazing organizations working tirelessly to protect aquatic habitats and species. Make a donation to support their ongoing efforts.

COOK

Cook a sea-friendly meal

Prepare a meal celebrating delicious alternatives to seafood, like hearty vegetable stir-fries or plant-based sushi. This can also be a fun opportunity to learn about and appreciate the bounty of the land while taking a break from consuming ocean life.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Fish Amnesty Day is Important

Helps foster better understanding of aquatic life

Through documentaries and the adoption of fish pets, the day promotes a better understanding of fish species and their habitats. As a result, we become more aware of the biodiversity that thrives in aquatic environments, and how our actions can impact it for better or worse.

Promotes respect for aquatic life

Fish Amnesty Day fosters respect for fish and the ecosystems they inhabit. It encourages us to reflect on the anthropogenic impacts on marine life and to adopt (and advocate for) fish-friendly practices - a much-needed perspective shift in our interaction with these amazing aquatic creatures.

Encourages proactive steps for conservation

The activities associated with Fish Amnesty Day are not just educational, but also actionable. By organizing clean-up drives, adopting fish, and even substituting our meals with sea-friendly alternatives, this day inspires not just awareness, but also tangible change in our behavior towards better aquatic conservation.