Tips for Choosing Sustainable Fish

"Sustainability" starts with traceability. Knowing where your fish comes from is the key to understanding whether the fish on your plate is being managed in a way that ensures a healthy population for the future.

These questions are designed to help you learn more about where your fish comes from.

• Which ocean or region of the country was it caught in? Knowing what country it's from isn't always enough information. For example, there is a big difference between the health of Atlantic cod and Pacific cod.
• Is the fish wild-caught or farm-raised? If it is farmed, how was it grown? Was it raised in a pen, a tank, or a pond?
• If the fish is wild, how was it caught? For example, did the fishermen use trawl nets, long lines, or hook-and-line?
• What species of fish is it? “Cod” or “snapper” or “salmon” isn’t descriptive enough. Find out what specific kind of salmon, cod or snapper it is.
• Is the fish is “MSC-certified”?
• FLORIDA RESIDENTS: Do you suspect that a seafood market or grocery store has substituted another fish species in place of grouper? Report Seafood Mislabeling or Substitution Here

While much of this information may be hard to find at your local seafood counter, consider getting in touch directly with the seafood buyer at your grocery store. One of the best ways to do that is to submit a suggestion or question via the website of your local store. They appreciate your feedback and it lets them know that sustainability matters to you.

Good luck on this reconnaissance mission and please come back here to let us know how it goes!

• Consumers' Overview
• What is Overfishing?
• Sign our petition to end overfishing
• Tips for Choosing Sustainable Fish
• Learn the Lingo