Fish are known to be a healthy source of protein and offer rich omega-3 fats that keep your heart and brain healthy. However, there are some fish that have high levels of contaminants such as mercury and lead and are known to be quite unsafe to eat.

Along with what fish do for our health, it is also important to understand what our choice of seafood means for the ocean. Overfishing and improper efforts to maintain sustainability have allowed the population of many fish specie to reach the brink of extinction.

Choosing to eat fish that are safe for health and thriving in population is a responsible choice to make when consuming seafood.

Here is a list of 3 fish that are great options to have on your plate:

Wild-caught Alaskan Salmon

Alaska’s wild caught salmon are known to be a very healthy and safe choice of fish to eat. They are more nutritious and sustainable than other salmon fisheries and the waters they come from are closely monitored for quality. They are low in mercury, lead and other contaminants and are packed with omega-3s fats.

Sardines

Caught in the wild and available at a very cheap price, sardines are a great option to have on your plate when looking to consume a safe choice of omega-3s. They are also a great source of calcium and Vitamin D and are safe for any age group and pregnant women as well.

Herring

Yet another source of very high levels of omega-3 content, vitamin D and selenium, Herring can be eaten fresh, smoked or canned. Less mercury content compared to other popular fish such as tuna and halibut, make halibut a safe choice for consumption and health.

And these are three fish you should hold back on:

Bluefin Tuna

Tuna is one of the most consumed fish in the country and that has consistently been depleting the fisheries. The World Wildlife Fund put it on its list of endangered species as well and warned that they are overfished. Bluefins are also known to have extremely high levels of mercury which increases the risk of multiple health problems.

Atlantic Cod

Although the Atlantic cod fishery once thrived for several years, overfishing it brought the industry to collapse in the 1990s, putting thousands of people out of work and bringing this beloved fish species to the verge of extinction. Despite efforts to revive the population, the fish remain very close to extinction today.

Imported Catfish

Ninety percent of the catfish in the country is imported. These usually come from contaminated waters and contain high levels of mercury as well as several toxins. Traces of various antibiotics, which are banned under US regulations, have also been found in imported catfish. Domestic, farm-raised catfish are a healthier alternative here.

If you are looking to learn more about where your seafood comes from or want to experience offshore fishing in Daytona Beach and catch some fish yourself, call us at Captain Daddy’s and book your angling adventure now!