We've been using Blue Ocean Institute's Guide to Ocean Friendly Seafood for a while - we have them in our wallets for trips to the store and ordering in restaurants, plus a few extras tacked up in our kitchen to give away to curious friends.
The guide gets updated every so often, allowing consumers to be up-to-date on the latest developments on the sustainability of different species in the ocean.
Currently, the highest-rated fish is Walleye Pollock, followed by farmed Mussels. We're pleased that farmed Oysters are still high up on the list, along with Striped Bass and Alaska Salmon.
To download your own copy of the card, click here. The Institute will also send you a copy on nice, heavy cardstock if you shoot an email to info@blueocean.org
Why is there no mention of mercury in any of these fish? I have read that this is a big problem and I am surprised that they are not more specific about what pollutants are present.
I'm checking out the food blogs for voting for the Bloggies and OH MY GOSH I am starving now!
Haha! Great blog!
Amanda,
Here's what the EPA has to say about mercury in fish:
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/admehg3.html
Here's the American Heart Association's take on the issue:
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3013797
Here is the NRDC's guide:
http://www.nrdc.org/health/effects/mercury/protect.asp
Basically, everyone seems to agree that the fish to avoid are:
tuna, tilefish, swordfish, shark, king mackerel, grouper. However, it depends on what waters these fish came from and if the mercury levels in those waters are high.
Scarlet,
Welcome! Hope you stay awhile!
Sara Kate,
Thanks for posting information about our new seafood guide! I wanted to tell your readers that they can access the complete information about the seafoods listed on the guide, as well as about other seafood species at www.blueocean.org/seafood.
Amanda asked why we're not more specific about mercury- but the thing is that PCBs may be an even bigger problem than mercury. Our friends at Environmental Defense have the most comprehensive information about contaminants in seafood, so don't hesitate to check out their site: www.oceansalive.org.
Thanks again.. and best fishes, Mary