How to Buy Sustainable Seafood

Fish are healthy and loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, but they can contain toxic contaminants like mercury and PCBs, and many species are being fished toward extinction.

What's a conscious consumer to do?

The San Francisco Chronicle recommends asking these six questions before making a purchase.

1. When was the fish caught? The more recently the better.
2. Who caught it? Avoid fish caught by large trawlers.
3. How was it caught? Hook and line and small nets tend to be the safest choices, though this question can get complicated.
4. If farmed, where was it farmed? Buy farmed fish that are low on the food chain, not carnivores like salmon and tuna.
5. Is that shrimp wild or farmed, and where did it come from? American companies are held to standards that prevent damage to the environment or other species (turtles, particularly) when catching or raising shrimp.
6. Are you current on regulations? Regulations and seasons change, so make sure the fish you bought yesterday is still a good choice today.

For the latest information, look up the most recent version of Seafood Watch card at www.mbayaq.org. Or log on to Seafood Choices Alliance at www.seafoodchoices.com/home.php.

You can also consult with these Web sites:

The Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch program, Environmental Defense's Oceans Alive campaign, and the Seafood Choices Alliance are three solid resources. All offer extensive Web resources, and handy guides that fit in a wallet for quick decision making at the seafood counter.

Paul Johnson's book, Fish Forever, is another resources, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

Stay tuned. The Marine Stewardship Council is studying the industry in preparation for publishing its own guidelines.

COMMENTS ()