From TED
‘Chef Barton Seaver presents a modern dilemma: Seafood is one of our healthier protein options, but overfishing is desperately harming our oceans. He suggests a simple way to keep fish on the dinner table that includes every mom’s favorite adage — “Eat your vegetables!”‘ In my opinion his message is a bit confused at different points of his presentation but what I like is his attempt to unite a balanced approach to a enjoyable, healthful diet and, at the same time, and diet that is sustainable for our oceans. Main points include
1. Eat fish, but eat a smaller portion balanced with a large portion of vegetables
2. Enjoy your meals but resist gluttony
3. Make wise decision regarding the type of fish you eat.
For the third point, do you carry and reference a seafood guide when you make purchasing decisions for seafood? You can download helpful apps for certain mobile devices (i., iPhone), stuff a note card from Seafood Watch in your wallet or purse (which you can get at WholeFoods), and/or visit the Monterey Bay aquarium’s Seafood Watch webpage to learn about what choices are most and least sustainable.
Real World Example
Last night, I had dinner with some friends for a good friend’s birthday. I was interested in the halibut, which was described as ‘WILD HALIBUT, KODIAK, ALASKA so I referenced my Seafood Watch guide ahead of time to learn these facts before ordering. Here’s what I learned
AVOID: Atlantic halibut, and California halibut caught in a gillnet
GOOD ALTERNATIVES: California halibut caught on a hook and line and Greenland Turbot
BEST CHOICE: Alaskan Halibut, wild caught which was exactly the type on the menu.
Not only was it satisfying to feel like I was making a relatively good decision, it was also fun because I learned a little bit more about the seafood I was about to order and eat:
Here is the except from the app:
‘Pacific Halibut
Most Pacific halibut is caught with bottom longlines that cause little habitat damage and have low levels of accidental catch.The Pacific halibut fisheries of Alaska, Washington and Oregon are certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
A little bit of effort and the right tools can help you make better choice all while increasing your knowledge and appreciation of the food you eat (or decide not to eat).
Cheers,
Dan