It can be hard to take in the diverse range of fish and seafood on offer at our fishmongers, restaurants, and even supermarkets, but it’s important to make sure you know what you’re eating. By choosing sustainable species, you can make sure that the populations of fish can be maintained and their habitats or migration habits aren’t disturbed.
Alaskan Pollock
According to NOAA Fisheries, “U.S. wild-caught Alaska pollock is a smart seafood choice because it is sustainably managed and responsibly harvested under U.S. regulations.” Pollock is a low-fat, high-protein fish that is commonly used in products like fish sticks and surimi.
Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon
Alaskan salmon is wild-caught and sustainably managed in order to maintain population levels, making it a sustainable choice. It is renowned for its high content of omega-3 fatty acids and can be smoked, baked, or grilled, making it a popular and versatile choice in a healthy diet.
Responsibly Farmed Tilapia
If you come across responsibly farmed tilapia from a well-managed system, you can feel comfortable in the knowledge that you are choosing a sustainable seafood option. It has a mild taste and firm texture, which make it suitable for frying, baking, and grilling. It’s also a healthy choice, as it’s high in protein and rich in various minerals and vitamins.
Farmed Barramundi
Barramundi that is farmed in recirculating aquaculture systems is considered to be a sustainable choice of fish. The Better Fish says, “Barramundi proves to not only offer a desirable taste and culinary properties, [but] it’s packed with heart-healthy omega-3s and is a hardy species that lends itself to sustainable farming.”
Farmed Arctic Char
Arctic char is often farmed in land-based, closed systems that minimize environmental impact, making it a sustainable seafood choice. It is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and is best served grilled or broiled, pairing well with a variety of flavors and seasonings.
U.S. Gulf Shrimp
While other shrimp fishing practices are harmful to population levels, shrimp from the U.S. Gulf are harvested under strict regulations that help sustain numbers and protect habitats. Shrimp are a staple in southern U.S. cuisine, including in dishes such as gumbo and jambalaya. They are low in fat and high in protein, making them a healthy choice.
European Hake
Thanks to recovery plans and strict regulations surrounding the fishing practices of hake, the species is now a much more sustainable fish choice. This lean, white fish is often compared to cod and offers a low-fat protein that is commonly used in European dishes.
Farmed Rainbow Trout
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, rainbow trout is beneficial for heart and brain health. It’s also a versatile fish that can be baked, grilled, or pan-fried. The Marine Conservation Society says, “Rainbow trout sustainability varies. The best choice is trout farmed in freshwater ponds and raceways.”
Black Cod
Due to strict quotas and fishing regulations, black cod is now a sustainably managed species in the U.S. and Canada, which have managed to maintain healthy stock levels. This premium fish is often found in fine dining restaurants, as it is ideal for both smoking and baking and has a rich, buttery flavor.
Atlantic Herring
Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D, this is a healthy choice that, thanks to effective management, is a sustainable seafood choice. Populations of the Atlantic herring are thriving, and the species is featured a lot in European cuisines, where people commonly smoke or pickle the fish.
Farmed Yellowtail Kingfish
Farmed in closed systems, yellowtail kingfish is a sustainable seafood choice as it can be effectively managed without reducing the number of wild stock. It is known for its rich, oily texture, making it a great choice for sushi, grilling, and baked dishes. It is also a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids.
Farmed Blue Mussels
The farming of blue mussels has minimal impact on the environment, and the model of aquaculture used is considered to be sustainable. Typically steamed, mussels can be enjoyed in a broth, with pasta, or on their own, and provide consumers with high levels of zinc, iron, and B vitamins.
Orange Roughy
This species has a very slow reproductive rate, and a history of overfishing means it has an unsustainable population. These amazing fish can live up to 150 years, and each one takes around 30 years to reach sexual recovery, making population recovery a very tricky and drawn-out process.
Grouper
There are a variety of grouper species, all of which are unsustainable choices due to the fact that they have been overfished in many parts of the world, especially in the Caribbean and Southeast Asia. They have a slow growth rate, and the fact that they swim in large numbers to spawn means overfishing is common.
Atlantic Bluefin Tuna
One of the most overfished species, Atlantic bluefin tuna is not a sustainable choice due to its high demand for sushi and sashimi. They have a slow growth rate and they are also inefficient to farm, so the species is hard to manage. Earth.org recommends that “sustainable replacements to bluefin tuna include yellowfin tuna caught with handlines in Indonesia and the Philippines.”
European Eel
Once common, the European eel is now critically endangered due to overfishing and habitat loss, causing a significant decline in numbers. The eels’ breeding and migration habits have also been affected by pollution and changes in the climate, so it’s important to avoid eating this species.
Chilean Sea Bass
This fish is extremely popular due to its buttery texture, but overfishing has led to significant concerns about its sustainability. Strict regulations on fishing activities and a premium sale price led to an increase in illegal fishing of the species, according to Seafood Selector.
Read More: 18 Everyday Items That Have Now Become Too Expensive For the Average American
There are some items that we have to pay for every single day. But for the average American, these mundane things are becoming too expensive. In this article, we will show you 18 of these pricey day-to-day items.
18 Everyday Items That Have Now Become Too Expensive For the Average American
18 Misunderstood Acts The Bible Says Aren’t Actually Sins
People tend to assume that the Bible condemns a wide array of behaviors, but the reality might surprise you. Here, we zoom in on 18 so-called “sins” that may not be as bad as we thought.
18 Misunderstood Acts The Bible Says Aren’t Actually Sins
18 Things You’re Far Too Old To Be Doing Anymore
As we grow older, it’s a great time to reevaluate our choices and habits. In this article, we’ll explore 18 things you may still be doing even though you may be too old.
18 Things You’re Far Too Old To Be Doing Anymore
18 Things That Become Intolerable as You Get Older
As people age, they sometimes don’t find as much joy in things as they used to. An internet survey recently asked, “What are you starting to dislike more as you get older?” Here are the top 19 responses.
18 Things That Become Intolerable as You Get Older
17 American Attractions That Not Even Americans Want to Visit
The United States of America—land of the free, home of the brave, and the location of some of the most ‘unique’ tourist attractions you’ll ever lay eyes on.
Get ready to chuckle, scratch your head, and maybe even facepalm as we look at 17 American attractions that not even Americans think are worth visiting.
17 American Attractions That Not Even Americans Want to Visit