Identifying the best sources of fish and other seafood can be overwhelming. If you’re looking for seafood sources that benefit not only your health, but also the environment, it adds another layer of confusion.
According to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), nearly three billion people rely on seafood as a major source of protein around the world. Luckily, some great organizations are making it easier to choose seafood that’s both healthy and good for the planet.
Here are four important things to remember when taking your next trip to the fish market or store.
The good news is there are organizations proactively leading the charge to keep the public informed and educated on what’s best for personal health, oceans, fish, and the planet. More than 280 fisheries in 33 countries have been certified sustainable using the MSC standard—the world’s leading program to ensure wild-caught fisheries are well managed and sustainable.
MSC uses its ecolabel and fishery certification program to promote sustainable fishing practices and help people make better choices when purchasing seafood, Next time you’re at the store, look for the MSC label that supports ethical practices crucial for future food security and prosperity in our oceans.
For healthy fish that contain the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids, follow Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Super Green list:
Here are some fish to avoid or consume less frequently:
Called community-supported fisheries (CSFs), these programs allow you to understand how your seafood is sourced and help local fishing economies. Many sustainable fisheries will use low-impact catch methods like hook and line. You can visit localcatch.org to find a CSF near you.
And if that option is just not feasible, NRDC suggests purchasing from a trusted retailer or businesses with higher standards for the seafood they sell. A good plan of action is to keep it close to home and enjoy seafood from sources you trust.
By shifting your purchasing patterns and partnering with sustainable organizations, you can improve your personal health, the oceans, the fish, and the future.
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center's Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.
Experience a mind-body cleanse at our 6-day Perfect Health workshop. Each day you'll receive an Ayurvedic massage, healthful food, meditation, and yoga as you relax and recharge at the world-renowned Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. Click here to learn more.
According to the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), nearly three billion people rely on seafood as a major source of protein around the world. Luckily, some great organizations are making it easier to choose seafood that’s both healthy and good for the planet.
Here are four important things to remember when taking your next trip to the fish market or store.
1. Choose Sustainable Seafood
The reasons for buying seafood that’s sustainably sourced are plentiful:- Overfishing
- Harmful catching methods
- Unintentional capture of other marine species
- Habitat destruction
- Overuse of antibiotics
- Water pollution
The good news is there are organizations proactively leading the charge to keep the public informed and educated on what’s best for personal health, oceans, fish, and the planet. More than 280 fisheries in 33 countries have been certified sustainable using the MSC standard—the world’s leading program to ensure wild-caught fisheries are well managed and sustainable.
MSC uses its ecolabel and fishery certification program to promote sustainable fishing practices and help people make better choices when purchasing seafood, Next time you’re at the store, look for the MSC label that supports ethical practices crucial for future food security and prosperity in our oceans.
2. Fish to Eat
Once you understand how to identify sustainable sources of fish and seafood, you need to understand which kinds of fish you should be eating.For healthy fish that contain the highest levels of omega-3 fatty acids, follow Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Super Green list:
- Atlantic Mackerel (purse seine, from Canada and the U.S.)
- Freshwater Coho Salmon (farmed in tank systems, from the U.S.)
- Pacific Sardines (wild-caught)
- Salmon (wild-caught, from Alaska)
- Salmon, Canned (wild-caught, from Alaska)
- Crab
- Halibut
- Lobster
- Mussels
- Oysters
- Scallops
- Shrimp/Prawns
3. Fish to Avoid
As you may know, too much exposure to mercury can be harmful to children and adults. The Environmental Defense Fund provides health advisories on fish to avoid for this reason. Typically, bigger fish contain higher levels of mercury because they feed on smaller fish.Here are some fish to avoid or consume less frequently:
- Orange Roughy
- Shark
- Swordfish
- Tuna
4. Local Is Best
The farm-to-fork concept may not be new, but many people don’t know that it’s also available in the fish world. Customers paying to receive a portion of a fisherman’s catch is growing in popularity.Called community-supported fisheries (CSFs), these programs allow you to understand how your seafood is sourced and help local fishing economies. Many sustainable fisheries will use low-impact catch methods like hook and line. You can visit localcatch.org to find a CSF near you.
And if that option is just not feasible, NRDC suggests purchasing from a trusted retailer or businesses with higher standards for the seafood they sell. A good plan of action is to keep it close to home and enjoy seafood from sources you trust.
By shifting your purchasing patterns and partnering with sustainable organizations, you can improve your personal health, the oceans, the fish, and the future.
*Editor’s Note: The information in this article is intended for your educational use only; does not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Chopra Center's Mind-Body Medical Group; and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and before undertaking any diet, supplement, fitness, or other health program.
Experience a mind-body cleanse at our 6-day Perfect Health workshop. Each day you'll receive an Ayurvedic massage, healthful food, meditation, and yoga as you relax and recharge at the world-renowned Omni La Costa Resort and Spa. Click here to learn more.
