Jan 15 2010 - 9:00am Seafood is a hard category to navigate: farmed versus wild, mercury levels, and overfishing are just some of the things to think about when buying it. Adding to the confusion is that the arguments on each side are often changing due to the dynamic nature of the industry. I try my best to be a responsible consumer but I'm usually left feeling overwhelmed by all the convoluted information out there.
UGG
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Is this basically telling me I should avoid my BumbleBee canned tuna? =(
1Though eating certain fish does pose health risks (think mercury concentration in tuna), the Monterey Bay food guide is primarily designed based on the status of the fish stock, the catch method, and stock management.
Our health is important, but more so is the health of our environment. As a marine biologist, I am aware of the status of our oceans and the depletion of fish stocks worldwide, though others are not so aware. Many people are willing to eat bluefin tuna (a critically endangered species) or atlantic cod (does no one remember the closure of the fishery!?). Educating consumers on smart, environmental food choices is critical in reducing demand for the fishing of endangered species.
I urge all readers to look further into Seafood Watch and related restaurant certification programs - they exist both in the US and in Canada!
2I was in Monterey Bay 2 months ago and picked up that seafood guide...it is helpful, plus what an awesome aquarium!
3IMHO, you're better off eating almost any kind of fish than not eating it simply because it has higher levels of toxins in it. If your diet is rich in fruits and vegetables and other antioxidants, you minimize the damage that would be caused by the toxins you ingest. I eat regular canned tuna (not the albacore, because it's actually higher in mercury than the regular kind) and farmed salmon, as well as the occasional sturgeon from our ice-fishing friends. As long as you aren't eating it every day, you're probably fine.
4Hm well I won't lie... I definitely eat some of the foods on the DON'T EAT list! Whoops! ha ha! Too bad they are delish!
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