Environmental Concerns
Environmental concerns extend beyond livestock farms and include fishing and fisheries. These industries also have a significant impact on land and water ecosystems. Similar to livestock farming, certain fishing methods and overconsumption have led to depleted fish populations and damaged ocean ecosystems. Additionally, fish farming can introduce invasive species, contaminate water ecosystems, and contribute to overcrowding and disease. According to the Monterey Bay’s Seafood Watch program, 90 percent of fisheries worldwide are overexploited, completely exhausted, or collapsed. To address these issues, consumer demand for ethically sustained fish is crucial in allowing fish populations to replenish themselves. You can play a part by requesting environmentally sustainable seafood products from your grocer or restaurant.
Avoiding Heavy Metals
Dealing with the issue of heavy metals pollution is a challenge faced by the entire world. One of the most common heavy metals, mercury, can be found in almost all bodies of water and the atmosphere, resulting in many seafood species being contaminated. However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) assures that for the majority of healthy individuals, this does not pose a significant risk. Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, the FDA recommends that women trying to conceive, pregnant and nursing mothers, and young children avoid consuming certain fish known to have higher mercury levels. These fish include king mackerel, shark, swordfish, and tilefish. On the other hand, there are seafood options that have lower mercury levels and are therefore considered safer for consumption. These include canned light tuna, catfish, clams, hake, oysters, pollock, salmon, sardines, and shrimp.