I love seafood, but I also know that where our food comes from matters. As a sustainable fisherman, I think about the ocean every time I think about what ends up on my plate.
Choosing sustainable seafood does not mean you have to give up the fish and shellfish you enjoy. It simply means learning a little more about what you buy and where it comes from.
I know that shopping for seafood can sometimes feel confusing. There are many types of fish, different labels, and lots of information to sort through. You may also want to make choices that are better for the ocean without spending a lot of extra time at the store.
The good news is that a few simple habits can make a difference. Here are the tips I use to make smarter seafood choices.
Look for sustainable certifications
Sustainable seafood certifications can help shoppers learn more about how a fish was caught or raised. They may show that a fishery or farm follows rules designed to protect fish populations, reduce harm to habitats, and support healthier oceans.
When I shop for seafood, I look for labels from trusted programs, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) for wild-caught seafood or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) for farmed seafood. I find these labels more useful than words like “natural” or “eco-friendly,” which do not always explain how the seafood was caught or raised.
When you see a certification label, take a moment to learn what it covers. You do not need to know every label by heart. Even knowing a few trusted certifications can make it easier to compare seafood and make a better choice.
Pay attention to origin and harvesting method
The same type of fish can have a very different impact on the environment depending on where and how it was harvested.
For example, tuna caught with a method that reduces accidental catches of dolphins, sharks, or sea turtles may be a better choice than tuna caught with methods that have a higher risk of harming other animals.
The same idea applies to other seafood, too. The fishing method can affect both ocean habitats and other marine life.
When possible, check the package, ask the fishmonger, or look at the seafood counter for information about its origin. You may see the country, region, or body of water where the seafood came from.
As a fisherman, I know there is a lot of work behind every seafood meal. Paying attention to how seafood is caught helps me appreciate that work while also thinking about the health of the ocean.
If you are not sure what a label means, ask. A good seafood seller should be able to tell you.
Diversify your seafood choices
One of my favorite ways to make better seafood choices is to eat a variety of seafood.
It is easy to buy the same fish every time. I understand. When your family loves salmon or shrimp, it can become the usual choice.
But there are many other fish worth trying. If you usually buy salmon, try sablefish, halibut, sardines, or mackerel when they are available and recommended as sustainable choices in your area. You can also try different types of shellfish, such as mussels or oysters.
Another simple way to diversify your seafood choices is to eat what is in season. Seasonal seafood is often more readily available at certain times of the year, so your local fishmonger may have different options depending on the season.
Asking what is fresh, plentiful, and in season can help you discover new seafood while supporting local fishermen.
As a fisherman, I enjoy trying different seafood throughout the year. You may be surprised by how many great choices are available when you look beyond the same few fish.
Make shellfish and forage fish go-to choices
Shellfish and small schooling fish, often called forage fish, can be great choices when you want to add more variety to your seafood meals.
Forage fish are small fish that travel in large groups. Examples include sardines, anchovies, herring, and menhaden. They are lower on the food chain and reproduce quickly.
Because they eat lower on the food chain, they generally need fewer resources than larger predatory fish. They also require less feed input than many farmed carnivorous fish. Forage fish are an important part of the ocean food web because many larger fish, seabirds, and marine animals depend on them for food.
Shellfish can be another excellent choice. Mussels, oysters, clams, and scallops do not need to be fed when they are farmed. Instead, many shellfish get their food by filtering tiny particles from the water. This means they can be grown with very little added feed and can have a very low environmental footprint.
Oysters and mussels also filter water as they feed, which makes them an interesting part of healthy coastal ecosystems.
As a fisherman, I think these smaller seafood choices are worth giving a try. If you are unsure how to prepare them, start simple. Try grilled sardines, anchovies in pasta, or steamed mussels and clams. You may find a new favorite!
Check Seafood Watch recommendations while you shop
Seafood Watch, opens in a new tab is one tool shoppers can use to learn more about seafood choices. Its recommendations can help you understand which seafood options are better choices for the environment.
I recommend checking its recommendations before you shop, especially if you are buying a type of seafood you do not know much about.
You can search for the fish or shellfish you want and learn more about where it comes from and how it was caught or farmed.
I find tools like this helpful because I do not expect everyone to know the details of every fishery. You should not have to be an expert to make a thoughtful choice.
Sustainable Seafood Checklist
I know that choosing sustainable seafood can feel like a lot to think about, especially when you are standing at the seafood counter. That is why I prepared a simple checklist you can use while shopping.
Remember: You do not have to make the perfect choice every time. Every better choice is a step toward healthier oceans.
Making Better Seafood Choices
Choosing sustainable seafood does not have to be complicated. I start by checking where my seafood comes from, how it was caught or raised, and whether it has a trusted certification. I also enjoy trying different fish, shellfish, and smaller species like sardines and anchovies.
I know it is not always easy to figure out which choice is best. That is why I recommend asking questions and using tools like Seafood Watch when you need more information. Small changes in the way we shop can help us enjoy the seafood we love while caring for the ocean at the same time!
