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I
understand that eating fish, particularly fish high in omega-3 fatty
acids like salmon, is healthy for our bodies. Yet I have heard that
eating salmon may be harmful to our environment from the overfishing
of wild fish and also degrading effects from fish-farming. Can you clarify
this confusion, and what type of salmon do you eat?
I
have recently starting reading more information on this important topic.
I do think it is important to consider both what is healthy for our
body and also what is healthy for our planet when we make our food choices.
As with everything, this question brings us to a complex area of study
that is still being researched.
I
have three sources of information that can help you learn more about
this topic of choosing seafoods to eat that are the least harmful to
fish populations or our environment.
The
first is an online article about aquaculture
that is well written. (However, it does contain one error - fish oils
contain fatty acids and are not a significant source of amino acids
as stated.)
Second
is information on endangered oceans and the impact of eating fish
by the Monterey
Bay (California) Aquarium. They give recommendations regarding
fish to purchase for consumption in order to maintain a healthy marine
ecosystem.
Third
is another online article from the National
Audubon Society's Living Oceans Program.
They
have also recently published a book entitled Seafood Lover's Almanac,
which gives very specific details and rankings to show which types
of seafood have both healthy populations and also catch and processing
methods that are least degrading to our environment. This is a VERY
helpful book for making those "what should I eat" type of decisions!
You may obtain the book directly from The National Audubon Society,
Amazon.com, or any bookstore for $19.95.
Seafood
Lover's Almanac
National Audubon Society's Living Oceans Program
550 South Bay Ave.
Islip, NY 11751
I am using this book to make my seafood decisions. Based on their
recommendations, I now make sure I am buying Alaska salmon, which
has very healthy wild populations. Start asking questions at your
fish store to show your concern about these important issues!
I also recommend
that you download and print out a Seafood
Wallet Card from their website. These cards were developed by
the National Audubon Society to guide people choosing seafood in restaurants
and grocery stores in order to help to make our oceans healthy again.
Updated
6/02, 7/02
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Fish
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What
are some alternatives to eating farmed salmon in order to still obtain omega-3
fatty acids from seafoods? posted
9/02
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Is
eating salmon healthy for our environment? updated
6/02, 7/02
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Have
you changed the amounts or types of fish you eat as new
information becomes available regarding the mercury content of
fish? posted
1/04 |
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These questions and answers
are intended to be of a general informative nature. Please consult with
the Registered Dietitian in your cancer center or your health care provider
for nutritional advice that can be individualized to your specific medical
condition.
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