What is Sustainable Seafood?
Seafood is sustainable when the population of that species of fish is managed in a way that provides for today’s needs without damaging the ability of the species to reproduce and be available for future generations. If you buy fish managed under a U.S. fishery management plan, you can be assured that it meets 10 national standards that ensure fish stocks are maintained, overfishing is eliminated, and the long-term socioeconomic benefits to the nation are achieved.
Additional Information:
NOAA Fishwatch provides easy to understand science-based facts to help consumers make smart sustainable food choices
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation & Management Act: National Standards for Sustainability
HOW MUCH SEAFOOD SHOULD YOU EAT? WHAT KIND??
Seafood is a wise choice for anyone who is eager to eat a delicious fish-rich diet and reap the health benefits – even for pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant. Scientific research is clear about the positive effects that omega-3 fatty acids have on the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, type-2 diabetes, low birth weight, post-partum depression, and pre-term delivery.
Beyond omega-3s, fish also offers consumers an excellent source of protein, Vitamin B12, potassium, selenium, and, in some seafood varieties, iron. (Prenatal vitamins all contain generous amounts of Vitamin B12 because it is so vital for fetal brain and nervous-system development.) B12 is also necessary for adults to maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. Potassium is key for its benefits to muscle and nerve function and helps lower the risk for high blood pressure. Selenium, an antioxidant, helps guard against heart disease and boosts the immune system.
Information Resources:
Seafood Health Facts: Making Smart Choices. “Balancing the benefits and risks of seafood consumption” resources for healthcare providers and consumers
NOAA Fishwatch: Eating seafood, health & safety, latest research, handling tips, recipes.
About Seafood.com: Videos, recipes, how to buy & cook, health & nutrition (benefits, studies, how much should I eat?, nutrition information by species)
Seafood is a wise choice for anyone who is eager to eat a delicious fish-rich diet and reap the health benefits – even for pregnant women and women who are planning to become pregnant. Scientific research is clear about the positive effects that omega-3 fatty acids have on the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disorders, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, rheumatoid arthritis, type-2 diabetes, low birth weight, post-partum depression, and pre-term delivery.
It is important to note that there are no documented cases of mercury poisoning on file with the Centers for Disease Control based on the consumption of seafood.
Information Resources:
Seafood Network Information Center on Mercury: Oregon State University
Fish, Mercury and Nutrition: The Net Effects: The University of North Dakota website
Mercury in Fish Resources List: US Department of Agriculture
What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish (Expectant Mothers) – US FDA/EPA
Commercial Fish: Eat Up, Despite Low Levels of Mercury – U. of Rochester
BUT WHAT IF YOU’RE PREGNANT?
Washington Post: Pregnant? Say Yes to Seafood
WebMD: Study Questions Pregnancy Fish Limit: Research Shows FDA Advice Does More Harm than Good
CNN: Study: Fish Good for Pregnant Women
Washington Post: Fish in Mother’s Diet Benefits Child, Study Finds
SLATE: Welcome to the Fish Fry, Mom. The evidence that seafood won’t harm your baby.