Enjoying seafood can be a delicious and nutritious experience, but it’s essential to consider how our choices impact the ocean. Not all seafood is harvested sustainably, and some fishing practices harm marine ecosystems. By making responsible choices, we can help protect ocean life for future generations. Here’s how you can eat seafood more sustainably:

CHOOSE LOCAL

Imported seafood is often untraceable and may come from large-scale, unsustainable fisheries. Additionally, it carries a high carbon footprint due to transportation and refrigeration. Opt for locally caught seafood instead. Local fishers typically use more responsible methods, and supporting them helps sustain both the environment and the local economy.

CHOOSE LINE OR SPEAR-CAUGHT, AVOID NETS

The way seafood is caught makes a significant difference. Hook-and-line fishing is highly selective, minimizing bycatch (unintentional catch of other species). Spearfishing is also selective, though it is often used to target reef fish that are already under pressure.

On the other hand, net fishing and long-lining are indiscriminate, capturing large amounts of bycatch, including sharks, sea turtles, and marine mammals. Dragging nets along the seafloor also destroys essential habitats like coral reefs and seagrass beds. When possible, choose seafood caught by line or spear to reduce environmental damage.

OPT FOR PELAGIC FISH, AVOID REEF SPECIES

Reef fish, such as parrotfish and surgeonfish, play a crucial role in maintaining healthy coral ecosystems. Unfortunately, many reef species are overfished due to their proximity to shore, and slow-growing species like groupers are particularly vulnerable.

A better alternative is to choose pelagic (open-ocean) fish like mahi-mahi and yellowfin tuna, which reproduce quickly and have more stable populations. If you do eat reef fish, consider lionfish—it’s an invasive species in the Caribbean, and eating it helps reduce its impact on local ecosystems.

USE EVERY PART, MINIMIZE WASTE

Sustainability isn’t just about what you eat—it’s also about how much you waste. Traditional Caribbean dishes such as “fish water” (a rich fish head soup) and fried fish roe (eggs) utilize parts of the fish that are often discarded. These dishes not only reduce waste but also provide valuable nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin A, iron, zinc, and calcium.

HELP PROTECT OUR OCEANS

Your seafood choices directly affect the health of marine ecosystems. By choosing locally sourced fish, supporting sustainable fishing methods, avoiding overexploited reef species, and reducing waste, you can help protect our oceans while enjoying delicious seafood. Next time you’re at the market or a restaurant, consider where your seafood comes from—small decisions can make a big impact!

To learn more about which fish to choose or avoid, check out the Elkhorn Marine Conservancy Seafood Guide:

Learn more about the authors of this blog and our partners in promoting sustainable sailing and boating practices—Elkhorn Marine Conservancy. Visit their website at www.emcantigua.org, and be sure to follow them on Instagram (@emcantigua) and Facebook (@antiguaemc) for engaging educational content, volunteer opportunities, and more!