Transitioning to a vegan diet is an effective way to reduce environmental impact, but giving up meat can be challenging. A pescatarian diet, focused on fish and seafood while avoiding other meats, can be a practical step towards veganism or a sustainable compromise. Here are some tips to make your seafood diet more eco-friendly:
Good
Avoid crustaceans due to their high carbon footprint. Look for responsibly harvested shrimp certified by organizations like Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) and Naturland. Tuna, especially skipjack and albacore, is a good choice if caught sustainably with MSC certification.
Generally, farmed fish has a similar carbon footprint to pork or turkey. Look for eco-certification when buying farmed fish to minimize environmental impacts.
Better
Wild-caught fish, such as salmonids and marine whitefish, have a lower carbon footprint than farmed fish. Consider salmonids like arctic char and steelhead trout as alternatives to salmon.
Best
Farmed shellfish, like clams and oysters, have a low carbon footprint. Small pelagics, such as anchovies and herring, are always wild-caught and a sustainable choice.
Your Choice
Seafood, except lobster, is generally a better choice than red meat from a climate perspective. Choose sustainable options and support well-managed fisheries. Check the Seafood Watch App for updated recommendations and ask about sustainability at the fish counter.
Stay informed and make conscious seafood choices for a healthier planet.
Originally published on September 24, 2020, this article was updated in May 2024.
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