Which fish to buy? Farmed or wild?

Updated: 2020-07-29

Answer Section

Unfortunately, there's no easy answer when it comes to what type of fish to choose. However, you can at least become an informed consumer.

It used to be that wild-caught fish were considered healthy. Over the past several decades, concerns have arisen about the effects heavy metal contaminants, such as mercury; pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); pesticides; fertilizers; and even trash have on the safety of water and fish in oceans, lakes and rivers.

While fish farming (aquaculture) has been in place for centuries, its popularity exploded in because of the above concerns and the continued high demand for fish.

Although modern fish farming is designed to address safety concerns, it also has drawbacks. Some pens built in open water can be at the expense of the surrounding coastlines, underwater reefs, trees and swamps, and the wildlife that depend on them. Fish farms — including those in contained reservoirs — create enormous quantities of organic waste (feces) that can contaminate water in the surrounding environment if not handled properly.

Follow these guidelines when selecting fish:

• Pregnant women, women who are breast-feeding and young children should avoid tilefish from the Gulf of Mexico, shark, swordfish and king mackerel.
• When catching local fish, check for advisories from regional offices of the Environmental Protection Agency. If information isn't available, adults should limit their consumption to 6 ounces a week, while young children should eat no more than 1 to 3 ounces a week.
• Know which fish are overfished and avoid them. This gives at-risk species a chance to repopulate. There are groups that identify which fish are overfished, or caught or farmed in ways that cut the population or harm the environment. These include the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch and the Environmental Defense Fund Seafood Selector. Both have apps you can download.
• Buy U.S. fish. The U.S. has strict environmental and food safety laws governing farmed and wild-caught fish. Purchasing U.S. fish is one way you can help ensure safety and sustainability.
• Be an advocate. Whenever you purchase fish, ask where it's from and if it's sustainable. Grocers and restaurant owners in turn will question their suppliers and become advocates, too.