(photo courtesy of: Monterey Bay Aquarium)
We are trying to do the right thing by eating fish at least once a week and also making good sustainable fish choices. The best way for us to do this is to keep informed and also keep a list with us when shopping so we know which fish is the best choice. Why do we do this, because we want to be sure that the fish we are eating today is free of chemical contaminates and will also be available for future generations while keeping our ocean environments healthy and alive. Considering what is happening in the gulf coast to the fish and seafood due to this disastrous oil spill now it is more important than ever to be aware of saving our oceans.
People have been fishing the oceans for thousands of years, the last 50 years have seen technology making the process more efficient for the fishing industry allowing them to go farther and deeper into the ocean. This is great news for the industry but terrible news for the oceans themselves and studies have show a huge negative impact on the amount of fish stocks in the oceans. It is reported that 90% of the larger predatory fish have been removed from the oceans, also reported by the Monterey Bay Aquarium:
“In 2003, the Pew Oceans Commission warned that the world’s oceans are in a state of “silent collapse,” threatening our food supply, marine economies, recreation and the natural legacy we leave our children.”
Do your part to keep our ocean’s fish stocks alive and healthy, download and read these guides to sustainable fish harvesting and make the right choice the next time you are shopping for a meal.
The Super Green List Per Monteray Bay Aquarium
These items have levels of mercury below 216 parts per billion (ppb), provide at least 250 milligrams per day (mg/d) of omega-3s and are classified as a Seafood Watch “Best Choice.”
- Atlantic Mackerel
(purse seine, from Canada and the U.S.) - Freshwater Coho Salmon
(farmed in tank systems, from the U.S.) - Pacific Sardines
(wild-caught) - Salmon
(wild-caught, from Alaska) - Salmon, Canned
(wild-caught, from Alaska)
Do you want a pocket guide for your region:
Download a Seafood Watch App
Ocean Issues report from Monteray Bay Aquarium
Great pocket guide! Thanks!