After my research on tuna and the subsequent comments I gave regarding the subject, I started wondering about the controversy over farmed raised fish versus wild caught fish.

 Then I questioned the advice I’d been giving people… that Pacific salmon was better than Atlantic salmon… but I couldn’t remember why. Then I came across the article.  In the May 2008, Nutrition Action Healthletter , the special feature “Sustaining Seafood” appeared. I really wish I could provide the article in a link…because there is so much… I couldn’t begin to discuss it all. Well, the short of it is…Seafood is good for your health, but let’s eat the seafood that is good for the planet!  The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization states that more than 75% of the world’s marine fish stocks have been – or are being- over fished. The article provides best choices, good alternatives and fish to avoid…and why!

Now…back to my original thought about Pacific versus Atlantic farmed fish. Salmon is a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids no matter which you choose however; if you care about the planet you should eat Salmon - Alaska wild (Pacific).   Atlantic farm salmon is on the AVOID list, because it appears that farmed raise fish can escape from the ocean pens (where they are housed) into the wild and threaten wild salmon and other fish by competing with them for food and spawning grounds…thereby decreasing the number of wild salmon. Also, the waste from the salmon farms is released directly into the ocean…parasites and diseases from farmed salmon can spread to wild fish swimming near the farms.  It also appears that the farmers could use antibiotics to control the disease among the fish, which may encourage the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. 

So the key is to ask yourself a few questions before you purchase fish. The article suggests: #1 was the seafood farmed or wild-caught? #2 Where is it from …U.S. or imported?  #3 how was it caught? It appears that fishing techniques matter to the environment also…who knew? I can’t tell you what these mean but when fishing for cod fisherman should trawl or longline for them…and fresh tuna they should use a pole, longline or troll.  

I just eat them, I don’t fish!

If you’re like me… asking myself these questions wouldn’t be helpful. Here’s the articles advice for best choices, good alternatives, and fish to avoid…I’ll just list a few of the more common varieties of seafood.  If you would like more detail, click (copy & paste) on the link below. The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s National Seafood Guide will help you with all types of seafood. Research your favorite seafood and compile a list that suits your taste, your health goals and that will protect our planet! Have fun & happy fishing!    http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_factsheet.aspx?gid=17

Best Choices                         Good Alternatives                            AVOID

 "Best Choices-abundant, well managed, & caught or farmed in environmentally friendly ways."

"Good Alternative- an option, but there are concerns with how they're caught or farmed or with the health of their habitat."

"AVOID- caught or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment."