National Seafood Month: A Guide to Choosing Seafood

30 Oct National Seafood Month: A Guide to Choosing Seafood

Posted at 12:06h in Blog, Uncategorized by
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Written by Shannon Hogan, Urban Harbors Institute

CELEBRATING NATIONAL SEAFOOD MONTH: A GUIDE TO CHOOSING SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD

October is National Seafood Month, a time to celebrate the delicious bounty of our oceans while honoring the importance of sustainability and ocean conservation!

Choosing sustainable seafood is not only good for the environment but also ensures the health and availability of our favorite aquatic delicacies, and the longevity of our fisheries. In this guide, we provide a list of practical tips to help you make informed choices.

Why Choose Sustainable Seafood?

Sustainable seafood practices are essential to protect our oceans and marine ecosystems. They help maintain healthy fish populations and support local, regional, and domestic economies. By utilizing the tips below, you can make an educated seafood selection and active contribution to ensuring a healthier marine ecosystem.

FOUR TIPS FOR CHOOSING SEAFOOD:

  1. Know Your Seafood: Be informed about seafood species and their sustainability status, especially those that are at risk of population decline. NOAA Fisheries offers sustainable seafood profiles with up-to-date information on the status of various marine fish species in U.S. federal waters.
  2. Location Matters! Opt for US seafood, especially from your local region. Locally sourced seafood is usually a more sustainable choice. It supports a local community’s economy and culture and reduces the carbon footprint of transportation. Look for direct-to-consumer purchasing opportunities such as a community supported fishery (CSF), dock sales, and/or fish markets.
  3. Ask Questions: When dining out or buying seafood, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the origin and source of the seafood. Responsible businesses should have this information readily available.
  4. Diversify Your Choices: There are certain species that are more popular than others, and it can be a lot of pressure for fisheries to keep up with increasing demand. Think about broadening your range of seafood choices to promote new species and support fisheries diversifying their catch.

Read our last post or watch our most recent webinar to learn about some amazing direct seafood sale opportunities in the US!