Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Recommendations
Do you love seafood? Have you ever thought about the impact your seafood choices have on the environment? The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program is here to help you make informed decisions about the seafood you eat.
What is the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program?
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program is a sustainable seafood initiative designed to help consumers and businesses choose seafood that is fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy ocean, now and for generations to come. The program provides science-based recommendations about which seafood items are Best Choices, Good Alternatives, and which ones you should Avoid.
How Does the Seafood Watch Program Work?
The Seafood Watch program evaluates fishery and aquaculture operations based on a set of criteria that considers the impact of the fishing or farming method on the environment, the species' population status, and the management of the fishery or farm. The program then assigns a rating to each seafood item, with Best Choices being the most sustainable, Good Alternatives being second-best, and Avoid being the least sustainable.
Why is Sustainable Seafood Important?
Overfishing, destructive fishing practices, and poor aquaculture practices can have serious environmental consequences, such as habitat destruction, bycatch of non-target species, and pollution. Choosing sustainable seafood helps to ensure that fish stocks are managed responsibly, and that the ocean's ecosystems remain healthy.
What are Some Examples of Best Choices?
Some examples of Best Choices include Alaskan salmon, Pacific halibut, US farmed trout, and US farmed shellfish such as oysters, clams, and mussels. These seafood items are fished or farmed in ways that have minimal impact on the environment and are well managed.
What are Some Examples of Good Alternatives?
Some examples of Good Alternatives include US farmed catfish, US farmed tilapia, and US wild-caught shrimp. These seafood items are still sustainable choices, but may have some minor environmental concerns or management issues.
What are Some Examples of Seafood to Avoid?
Some examples of seafood to Avoid include Atlantic cod, Atlantic salmon, imported farmed shrimp, and imported farmed salmon. These seafood items are either overfished or farmed in ways that have significant environmental concerns or management issues.
How Can I Use the Seafood Watch Recommendations?
You can access the Seafood Watch recommendations through their website, mobile app, or printed pocket guides. When dining out, you can ask your server where the seafood on the menu comes from and if it is a Best Choice or Good Alternative. When shopping for seafood, look for labels or ask your fishmonger if the seafood is a Best Choice or Good Alternative.
The Bottom Line
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to make informed choices about the seafood they eat. By choosing sustainable seafood, we can help to protect the health of the ocean and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy seafood for years to come.
