Interactive: Food Q & A

There may be a lot of fish in the sea, but they are not created equal.

One billion people a year eat seafood as their primary source of protein. However, overfishing, pollution, a non-transparent food chain and prevalence of fish fraud can make choosing the best fish--for taste, your health and the planet--a challenge.

Here are some questions and answers to help you make the tastiest choice.

What is sustainable seafood?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) defines sustainable seafood as “ensur(ing) fish stocks are maintained, overfishing is eliminated, and the long-term socioeconomic benefits to the nation are achieved.” That means choosing fish that are caught or farmed to ensure the long-term health and stability of the species. So, its seafood that’s good for the ocean, the species, the planet, your health and, oh yes, your tastebuds.

What about organic-is that a thing in seafood?

The USDA had not determined organic standards for farmed fish. “Organic” options are sometimes available from abroad, but that means you may be losing freshness for the “organic” label. All wild caught fish is, by its nature, not organic.

How will I know if seafood is safe?

The U.S. has the most highly-regulated fisheries in the world and therefore has the most sustainable, cleanest and safest fish. The seafood gathered within 200 miles of the U.S. coastline, i.e. Long Island and the coast of New England, has been tracked, certified and tested and makes the safest choice.

Is wild-caught fish better than farmed fish?

Not necessarily. Half of all seafood is farmed and since 85% of the world’s wild fish stock are overexploited or at full capacity, fish farms are essential to maintaining supply, providing year-round availability and minimizing overfishing.

There are great aquaculture companies just like there are great beef, poultry and pork farms.  There are also not-so-great farms in all protein sources.

The primary consideration when buying any seafood should be to buy sustainable, safe and fresh product from a trusted retailers such as FultonFishMarket.com.

What should I look for when buying farmed seafood?

In the U.S., fish farms are closely monitored by the FDA, NOAA, the US Department of Agriculture and the Environmental Protection Agency. However, other countries do not have such rigid regulations. Choose reputable, local fish farms that are sustainable, have a clean aquaculture and use low pen density. Better and easier yet, use a great retailer, like FultonFishMarket.com which has vetted all wild and aquaculture products listed on its site for taste, sustainability and safety. 

What are the best fish to choose for sustainability?

Pretty much any seafood caught domestically is sustainable and safe. That is because of the rigorous adherence to the strict quotas and standards covering fisheries in the U.S. Domestic seafood also has a better chance of being fresh. 

What is “fish fraud” and how can I get what I want?

When you think you are buying red snapper, but are actually purchasing tilapia, labeled as red snapper, that is fraud. The U.S. FDA defines fraud as “the substitution of a less expensive fish for a more expensive kind.”  This common practice was a top news story where reporters found high-end New York City stores selling as “wild salmon” for $29 what was farmed salmon. Once it is cut into fillets or portions it is almost impossible to determine what species you are dealing with, even for professionals. DNA and other tests are possible but the best way to make sure that you are getting what you want to buy is to start with a retailer like FultonFishMarket.com. The answer at FultonFishMarket.com? Buy the entire fish, buy fresh and  buy local.