The problem isn’t seafood itself—it’s treating every catch as equal.
Swordfish and some tuna warrant mercury precautions, particularly for pregnant people and children.
Bluefin tuna, Chilean sea bass, and Atlantic cod can raise sustainability concerns, depending on the population and fishing method.
Fish sold as “red snapper” may be another species entirely. Meanwhile, tilapia, pangasius, imported shrimp, and farmed salmon deserve sourcing questions, not blanket condemnation: farming practices, environmental impacts, and oversight vary widely.
Better choices begin with specifics. Ask for the species, its origin, and how it was caught or raised.
Consult Seafood Watch for sourcing recommendations, and look for credible certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council label for wild fisheries.
For mercury guidance, especially during pregnancy or childhood, follow FDA and EPA advice.
Favor sellers willing to explain their supply chains.
You don’t have to abandon seafood; you can choose it with greater confidence and care.
