Posted by kathryn in Fats & oils and Ethics & Sustainablity

This is the third post in a series on Omega 3s. Take a look at Omega 3s – what are they? and "the main fish sources.":/blog/2009/01/27/omega-3s-part-2-the-main-fish-sources

It’s tricky recommending fish online.

Firstly, fish are called by different names around the world. What I call salmon, may not be labelled “salmon” in another part of the world. Even within Australia we’re only just getting round to using standardised fish names.

And it gets even harder when you’re talking sustainably managed fish. Fisheries around the world vary enormously. A species that is plentiful here in Australia, and well managed for long-term sustainability, may be virtually fished-out in another part of the world.

Then, if you want to know about Omega 3s, it adds another layer of complexity to the question. Which fish are the best to eat, if you want pleny of Omega 3s but want to make ethical choices?

I’d love to give you a definitive list. The top 10 fish to eat. But I can’t. It’s a huge, huge issue. The situation varies around the world and there’s just no one-size-fits-all answer.

So if this is important to you, you’re going to have to do some local research. It’s not an issue you can be passive on, instead you’ll have to do some of the leg work.

What I can offer is some general recommendations and choosing the best fish. I can also refer you to some resources. Hopefully this will help you decide what’s best to buy in your area.

How to choose sustainably caught Omega 3 fish

1. The issues: Here’s a good overview of the issues involved and why it’s so difficult to choose Omega 3 rich fishes that are sustainably managed.
2. Look for dark coloured fish: A basic rule-of-thumb is that fish which are high in Omega 3s tend to have darker flesh and are more oily in general. While white fleshed fish do have some Omega 3s they’re generally not as Omega 3 packed as the darker fleshed species.
3. Find a fishmonger you trust: If you’re really serious about buying sustainably caught fish, then get to know your fishmonger. Ask them questions, tell them you want to know where your fish comes from, refuse to buy anything unless they know the provenance. And then, when you find a fishmonger you can work with, stick with them. Become a loyal and frequent customer – reward them for their environmental consciousness. Here in Sydney, I’ve been hearing good things about Fine Fish in Neutral Bay – their website tells you where their fish comes from and they support sustainable practices.
4. Read Bottomfeeder: Taras Grescoe’s book Bottomfeeder is one of the best introductions to the issues of fish sustainability I’ve seen. It’s very readable, covers a broad range of issues and finishes up with some good guidelines on how to choose the best fish.
5. US list: This list from the US is pretty good – it shows eleven fish which are both high in Omega 3s and sustainably managed. Bear in mind you’ll still need to ask questions – about exactly where the fish you’re buying has come from.
6. Pocket guides: A number of bodies produce pocket guides to the most sustainably caught fish in a specific area. Seafood Watch has a number for different US locations. The Australian Marine Conservation Society also produces one.
7. Look for the MSC logo: The Marine Stewardship Council certifies fisheries around the world, recognising and rewarding sustainable practices. They have a list of the fish they have certified and where you can buy them.
8. David Suzuki: Thanks to Elaine I’ve also found out that David Suzuki’s website has information on sustainable fish choices in Canada.

Do you try to choose sustainably caught fish?

Photograph by Joseph Wu.

27 May, 2009