How to Find Sustainable Seafood

Eating sustainable seafood is an eco-friendly practice we can all follow each time we get the urge for fish, shrimp and other tasty water-dwellers. So many people are eating fish these days—seeking its heath benefits of being low in saturated fat and high in minerals and healthy fats—that certain species are being over-fished. Sustainable seafood includes fish from the ocean, rivers, lakes and farmed fish. Most websites grading fish species will rank the species by fishing method, "bycatch" and status of wild populations. Here's how to find sustainable seafood.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Internet
• Printer
• Printer paper

1. Do an Internet search for "sustainable seafood." Two of the most noted organizations that track sustainable seafood are the Blue Ocean Institute and the Marine Stewardship Council (see Resources for websites). Print out one of their miniature guides to take with you when you grocery shop or go to a seafood restaurant.

2. Check the guides frequently for updates. Fish can appear on the list or be deleted. To keep up to date with the latest information, visit these websites on the first of each month and see if there are any changes.

3. Call your grocer and ask to speak to the seafood department, or talk to your seafood merchant in person next time you go shopping. Ask what area his fish and seafood come from. He is required to tell you. Cross-check your seafood guide and see if you can find the sustainable fish you are looking for. Calling ahead of time will save you time and gas if they don't have any sustainable seafood.

4. Before making reservations for your favorite restaurants, call ahead of time to find out what fish and seafood they serve and where it is from. It may take them a day to research this, but if you give yourself enough time, they will be able to provide you with that information from the vendor.

5. Let vendors know that you won't buy seafood that isn't sustainable. If enough people do this, seafood sellers will get the idea that they need to switch to sustainable products if they want to stay in business.

Tips & Warnings

• Different guide may have slightly different definitions and levels of sustainability for each fish. Use your best judgement to decide which list works best for you.
• Leave miniature sustainable-seafood guides at restaurants serving fish that may not be sustainable. This may inspire the chef to order fish on the list.

Resources

• The Marine Stewardship Council determines what fish are sustainable.
• View a seafood species scorecard and printable mini-scorecard.

Who Can Help Sponsored

• Brain Vs. Stomach! A Food Fight You Can Win!
• How to Lose 30+lbs Guaranteed. Try it Free.