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How to Choose Sustainable Seafood

In today’s world, choosing sustainable seafood is crucial for preserving our oceans while still enjoying the health benefits offered by seafood consumption. This blog post aims to guide you in making informed choices about the seafood you select. By looking for sustainable certifications, focusing on shellfish, understanding the environmental impacts of popular choices like shrimp, salmon, and tuna, considering harvesting methods, recognizing the dual nature of aquaculture, and even incorporating sea vegetables into your diet, you can make a significant positive impact on marine ecosystems. Let’s explore each of these facets to help you become a conscious consumer and advocate for sustainable seafood practices.

Look for Sustainable Certification

The first step in choosing sustainable seafood is to look for reliable sustainability certifications on packaging, which serve as a simple yet effective guide for consumers. Certifications from organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) assure that the seafood has been sourced in an environmentally responsible way. These labels are backed by rigorous scientific standards and frequent audits to ensure compliance with sustainability protocols.

Another useful resource is the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, which offers updated recommendations and a consumer-friendly app. These tools help you to easily determine whether the seafood you’re considering purchasing is sustainably sourced. By prioritizing certified products, you support an industry that is making strides toward healthier oceans and marine life.

Make Shellfish Your Go-To

Shellfish, such as mussels, clams, and oysters, are often more sustainable options compared to other seafood types. They are filter feeders that can help clean the water they live in, thereby contributing positively to their ecosystems. Shellfish typically require fewer resources to farm compared to fish and are less likely to be overharvested due to their rapid growth rates.

Opting for locally sourced shellfish can further enhance sustainability. This not only reduces the carbon footprint associated with transportation but also supports smaller, local businesses that are more likely to use environmentally friendly farming methods. The next time you’re planning a seafood meal, consider making shellfish a primary component for both its delicious taste and sustainability benefits.

Be Wary of Shrimp, Salmon, and Tuna

Shrimp, salmon, and tuna are among the most commonly consumed types of seafood but are also often associated with sustainability issues. In particular, shrimp farming can lead to significant environmental degradation, including mangrove destruction and water pollution. Wild-caught shrimp can also impact ecosystems negatively if brought in by trawling methods.

Salmon and tuna, especially those harvested unsustainably, can also be problematic. Overfishing, bycatch, and intensive aquaculture practices have significant impacts. As consumers, we can make a difference by choosing products that are certified as sustainable options or by considering alternatives to these species to reduce demand on their populations.

Pay Attention to Harvesting Method

Understanding the methods used to harvest seafood can illuminate its sustainability. Techniques such as pole-and-line fishing, trolling, and hand-gathering often result in less bycatch and ecosystem damage compared to methods like bottom trawling or purse seining, which can be highly destructive.

Many sustainable seafood certifications also provide information on fishing methods, allowing you to make informed choices. By choosing seafood caught or farmed with environmentally friendly methods, you actively reduce the pressure on ocean habitats and contribute to the long-term health of marine populations.

Aquaculture Can Be Sustainable or Destructive

Aquaculture, or fish farming, has the potential to either support or harm sustainable seafood efforts. Sustainable aquaculture practices focus on minimizing habitat destruction, reducing pollution, and limiting the spread of disease to wild populations. These methods are often certified by organizations committed to sustainable practices.

However, aquaculture can also be destructive when it involves overcrowded pens, poor waste management, and the overuse of antibiotics. By supporting farms that follow sustainable practices, such as multi-trophic aquaculture, which mimics natural ecological cycles, you can help tip the balance toward positive environmental impacts.

Eat Sea Vegetables

Sea vegetables like kelp, nori, and sea lettuce are often overlooked in discussions about sustainable seafood but are incredibly eco-friendly and rich in nutrients. They require no freshwater or arable land to grow and are effective at sequestering carbon, thereby potentially mitigating climate change effects.

Incorporating sea vegetables into your diet not only diversifies your nutritional intake but also helps reduce pressure on more traditional seafood sources. Their versatility in dishes ranging from salads to snacks offers a delicious way to embrace sustainability.

July 2021

Lessons Learned

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