The Sustainable Kitchen: Seafood

 Sustainability has three pillars that we look at: environmental impact, social aspect, and economics. The importance of sustainability in seafood is that we are mindful about the seafood we choose to consume so that the food we rely on for food thrives and is available for years to come. I am not saying we can't eat seafood. I am saying we should be mindful of what seafood we consume. Just like in everything there are the good and the bad. 80% of our fish are harvested at or above maximum sustainable yield or have already collapsed. 

Things to consider environmentally are things like overfishing- are we consuming certain species to the point of extinction? There are certain species like Bluefin Tuna that are now endangered due to overfishing. It is a popular ingredient in some sushi and as a result has had a huge impact on their numbers. They are an important part of the marine ecosystem because they are a top predator in the marine food chain.  Another issue is Bycatch- having to do with how fish are caught. Large trawlers often catch and kill other animals other than intended like sea turtles. Other issues that can arise from some fish farms are pollution and habitat destruction can be an issue when catching certain species as well. 

So how do we be mindful of the environmental impact and how do we as consumers make sure we are purchasing a product that is sustainable? First, look on the packages at the store for lables that indicate it is sustainable and has either an MSC label for wild caught or an ASC/BAP label for farm raised. Don't feel bad about asking if the fish you are interested in is sustainable (your server or person at the store). Y+ou can also look up the fish on the Seafood Watch page. This page allows you to enter a fish you are interested in and it will tell you the best choice or acceptable choice to buy that is sustainable.

Think F-I-S-H when shopping at the market. This acronym will help you when shopping for seafood to purchase sustainably caught or farmed seafood. 

F-Farmed. This specifically is for mollusks and shellfish, excluding shrimp. They are considered the most ethical form of seafood. They filter nutrients from the surrounding water and do not need to be fed. They grow a meaty muscle meat that is rich in omega-3's but do not have the mercury levels found in other fish. They also absorb carbon to make their shells. Most farmed finfish are best to be avoided. They tend to be raised in ways that can lead to disease and pollution, they are less healthy than wild caught, and they also contribute to depletion of wild fish due to wild fish caught for their feed. These subpar versions have also been known to escape and they then threaten the health and stability of the wild fish populations. 

I-Investigate. Don't be afraid to ask where you fish is sourced from. Is it wild caught or farm raised? Is it from the USA or China. Different countries have different regulations and that can make a big difference in the quality. As mentioned earlier look for the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) or BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices) labels. These indicate sustainable sources and have fairly strict standards. 

S-Small. The smaller the fish the better. They tend to be the healthiest (rich in omega-3's). They contain fewer toxins, such as mercury, because they are lower on the food chain and the chemicals have not been accumulated. Also environmentally, harvesting smaller fish uses less fuel so it is a lower carbon option. Shrimp however should be avoided in general. I do not say this lightly because I do love shrimp. It is the most popular seafood in the US. However, they are the least sustainable small seafood species by far. They are caught using trawlers that often catch other species and also have caused a lot of damage to the ocean bed. These trawlers destroy much of what is in its path. 

H-Home. Buying fish that has traveled the least distance is always best just like everything else. In the US the oversight for fish stock is managed well and only 18% are considered to be overfished whereas globally this increased to 34%. Socially, the labor practices on fishing vessels in the US are much better than found in other countries of the world. Imported fish are also less transparent in their practices and are harder to trace. It is safest to buy American and that means you are helping out local fishermen. 

Like I mentioned earlier, I am not saying no shrimp. It is the most popular for a reason it is healthy and tastes great. I am just saying there are ways to be more mindful of where we get out shrimp that are better. For shrimp, avoid those farmed in Latin America and Mexico, instead look for shrimp caught in Alaska for the best option, or any caught in the US or Canada are good as well. Another substitute for shellfish that you could try are oysters, clams, and mussels. 

Another very popular seafood, and one of my favorites, is salmon. If is one of the healthiest seafood options. However, Atlantic salmon have been hard hit by overfishing, pollution, and climate change. Farmed salmon should be avoided because of inhumane practices, harm to the local habitats, and unhealthy levels of contaminants. A better option for salmon is wild salmon caught in Alaska as the best choice, and wild salmon caught in Oregon, Washington, or California are also good. Another cheaper option is Artic Char. It has a similar flavor profile. 

Tuna is the 2nd most popular seafood in the US with canned tuna making up the majority. As mentioned earlier, the Pacific Bluefin Tuna is really struggling. Their numbers have decreased by 96%. Another major concern is that they have concerning levels of mercury. When looking for tuna you should avoid Albacore, Bluefin, Skipjack, and Yellowfin. If you purchase USA troll/poll caught Albacore, Skipjack, and Yellowfin these are best. All tuna should be consumed in moderation due to mercury levels. A good alternative to tuna is canned wild salmon, trout, and sardines. 

Cod has had decades of overfishing so there are now set limitations on cod fishing in Atlantic waters. However, there is a relative abundance of Pacific cod. When looking for cod, avoid Atlantic cod and any cod from Japan or Russia. Instead look to buy Pacific cod. A good alternative to cod is Alaskan Pollock or Pacific Halibut. 

Chilean sea bass is now on the endangered list and as a result sale of it on the black market has become an issue. It also contains a higher level of mercury and should be eaten in moderation. You should avoid any unlabeled Chilean sea bass and instead look for sea bass with the MSC label. An option you can try instead is black cod, striped bass, or freshwater trout. 

So, how about my favorite indulgence...lobster? There have been some concern with Maine lobster particularly due to an endangered whale species getting caught in nets for lobsters. However, the MSC does have some American lobster that have been sustainably sourced. The bottom line is when shopping at the store look for the MSC label. If it has a MSC label it was sourced sustainably. All of these above guides are just that guidelines and it is ever changing. There are some species that may be more at risk but what the MSC looks at is if the stock of the fishery or habitat is sustainable. The good news...there are many sustainable stocks of lobster so I can still have lobster and steak on my birthday! Yay!