I’ve really, consciously, tried to put more seafood into regular rotation on our menus around the MGG house… not always easy with little kids, but most of the time they go along with the program!
My biggest concern, however, has always been knowing what to buy. It’s really not so cut-and-dry and you can’t just memorize all of the do’s and don’ts since it really matters ‘how and where’ it was raised/farmed or caught. Yes, that’s the tricky part.
Luckily, while on vacation, I discovered a fantastic resource that’s the solution to my woes. My discovery came in the form of a nifty little pocket guide called Seafood Watch, compiled by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
The guides are broken down by regions of the country based on the seafood most commonly found in those areas. The intent is to help us purchase healthy seafood from sustainable sources… and THAT puts my mind at ease.
They’re really easy to understand too, because there are three categories “Best/Good/Avoid” and they’re color-coded green, yellow or red (obviously for “Go/Caution/Stop”!). The recommendations are science-based, peer reviewed and use ecosystem-based criteria… again, another sigh of relief!
All you need to do is go to their Pocket Guide page, choose your region, print a copy and put it in your pocket… then voila!… questions answered. And if you happen to be a sushi lover like me, they have a great Sushi Guide too.
So get moving on those lean proteins and omega-3 fatty acids … with a pocket full of information it will taste much better with a side of “peace of mind” too!
Disclosure Policy
To be aware some sources have fairly detailed lists and explinations. Some fish varieties are less “harmful” if naturally caught. That can depend on the location they are caught in. While others are more exceptible if farm raised but that list can be fairly short. Kind of a “feed lot” concept for some kinds of farm raised fish. Farm raised shrimp are actually harmful to the enviroment due to the creation of concrete volts scarped and gouged into the sea bed. Picture this done over and over again as the area loses its ability to sustain the “crop” of shrimp. Coral and plant life oxigenate and feed and entire ecosystem.
This is great to know about! Thanks!
.-= Scarlet´s last blog ..Organic Coconut Peanut Butter by Tropical Traditions Review and Giveaway =-.
Scarlet – you’re WELCOME!
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