Sustainable seafood is seafood that is caught or farmed in a way that minimizes its environmental impact and ensures the long-term health and stability of the species and the ecosystem it comes from.

The ocean is a delicate ecosystem that relies on a balance of different species to function properly. Overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices can disrupt this balance, leading to the depletion of certain species, the collapse of fisheries, and the loss of biodiversity. Sustainable seafood helps to ensure that the ocean’s resources are used in a way that preserves the health and integrity of the ecosystem for future generations.

Consumers can support sustainable seafood by choosing seafood that is certified by third-party organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), which have established standards for sustainable fishing and farming practices. Consumers can also look for labels such as “Wild Caught” or “Responsibly Farmed” to help identify sustainable options. It’s also important to be aware of which species are overfished or at risk, and to avoid consuming these species.

Sustainable seafood has numerous benefits, including the preservation of biodiversity and the health of the ocean ecosystem, the support of local fishing communities and economies, and the availability of seafood for future generations. It also ensures that consumers are getting seafood that is safe, healthy, and of high quality.

Examples of sustainable seafood include Alaskan salmon, Pacific halibut, US farmed rainbow trout, US farmed tilapia, and US Atlantic sea scallops. However, it’s important to note that the sustainability of a specific species can vary depending on the fishing or farming practices used, so it’s always best to look for third-party certifications or labels to ensure that the seafood is truly sustainable.