Confused About Fish? Here’s Your Guide

Over-fished?  High levels of mercury?  Farmed versus wild versus organic?

Salmon Steak with Tomatoes & Lime, Photo: EDF.org

Country of origin?  And what about sushi?

When it comes to fish, it seems as though the story keeps changing.  It’s hard to know what’s good to eat, what’s safe to eat, and what’s environmentally-conscious to eat.  There’s no doubt that we’re all in need of current, sound advice when it comes to fish.

Enter the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).  They have created the definitive Seafood Selector.  It’s all here.  Starting with their three lists based on the environmental impact: Eco-Best, Eco-OK, and Eco-Worst.  For example, there is the ubiquitous tuna.  The best? Albacore from the U.S. or Canada, and Yellowfin from the U.S. Atlantic caught by troll/pole.  Okay? Canned light tuna, canned white/albacore tuna, and imported bigeye/yellowfin caught by troll/pole.  The worst? Bluefin tuna, and imported bigeye/yellowfin caught by longline.

Yes, I know … that’s a lot of information and that’s just for tuna.  The EDF thought about that too.  They’ve created a Seafood Pocket Guide in PDF format.  Just download, print, and go (to the fish market, supermarket, or restaurant).  And when, it comes to sushi they’ve gone one step further.  The Best/OK/Worst sushi list is not only available as a donwloadable pocket guide, but it can also be downloaded in PDF format to you mobile phone.

And there’s more.  You can “Find a Fish.”  Whether you’re searching for halibut, tilapia, or shrimp, it’s there: a photo; environmentally-sound choices and details regarding the reasoning behind the recommendations; health details; and 10 quick facts about the particular fish.   Further, you will find the Benefits of Eating Fish (including a list fish high in omega-3’s and low in environmental contaminants), a Health Alert List, a list of the best Fish Oil Supplements,  What to Look For when buying fish, Fish Substitutions, and Recipes.

If you are a fish and seafood lover, this site is a must.  Bookmark it.  Download the guides.  Head to the market.  Summer will be here before you know.  And there’s nothing like grilled fish, a green salad, and a cold, crisp glass of white wine on a hot summer day.

Buon Appetito!