For those who find it frustrating and difficult to make the “right” choice when buying seafood, fear not: organizations like the Georgia and Monterey Bay Aquariums are working diligently at educating consumers on sustainable seafood, or which fish to eat with the fewest detrimental effects on health and environment.
What is Sustainability in Fisheries?
Sustainability is the practice of collecting fish (and other types of seafood) from environments with stable populations through eco-friendly methods, such as farming. Sustainability is crucial for several reasons.
Environmental concerns are at the forefront, with overfishing techniques routinely destroying fish populations and habitats. Furthermore, fish are a very large source of food worldwide, and if steps aren’t taken now, this food source could be depleted.
The following fish have been determined as “safe fish” because they come from sustainable populations. Luckily for consumers, they are quite tasty and most are delightfully inexpensive.
Top 5 Safe Fish
Catfish(US Farmed)
High in omega-6 fatty acids, catfish has been eaten all over the world for centuries. Its popularity in the U.S. is especially focused in the Deep South, with Mississippi being the largest domestic producer. In the United States, Catfish is most commonly breaded in cornmeal and fried.
Salmon (Alaska Wild)
With so many farmed fish on the list, it may be surprising to see this addition. However, due to salmon-specific farming practices, eating farmed salmon can be risky to your health, as it is higher in certain toxins. Stick with Alaska Wild Salmon.
Mahi Mahi (US Atlantic Troll)
Sometimes referred to as a dolphin fish, Mahi Mahi is a mild-tasting fish with dense, moist flesh. Great baked, broiled, and grilled, this is a tasty fish that’s sure to please.
Striped Bass (Farmed or wild)
Often described as succulent, striped bass (sometimes called rockfish) is a great choice for sustainable seafood hunters. Wild populations are, for the most part, considered at this point to be sustainable, so both farmed and wild are options. Keep in mind, though, that contaminant levels in farmed fish are higher in the fattier, larger species.
Tilapia (US Farmed)
Tilapia, a common white-fleshed fish, has a very good flavor and texture and fits in many types of cooking. The flesh absorbs well, too, so it adapts well to many kinds of recipes. Tilapia is commonly found at restaurants, so it’s a great choice when you’re out on the town.
Support Sustainability
When shopping for fish, be sure to check packages (read the fine print) to see where your meat is coming from. For more information on sustainable seafood, visit the Georgia Aquarium’s Seafood Savvy site and the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program page.
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