What are the most sustainably sourced seafood products?

Want to add products from the sea to your menu while supporting sustainable practices? Consider buying restorative species, that is, sourced seafood that helps regenerate marine biodiversity. Rooted in the Ocean Wise Seafood Program, the vast majority* of sourced restorative species are a sustainable choice worldwide.

*With the exception of Mediterranean mussels farmed via rope grown off-bottom culture by Companhia de Pescarias do Algarve in FAO fishing area 27 (Atlantic, Northeast). 

Mussels, oysters, and co.: for a sustainable diet

Farmed bivalves (mussels, oysters, clams, and scallops) and seaweed are considered restorative, because they clean and filter oceans, lakes, and water courses, like our majestic Saint-Lawrence river, all while helping the ecosystem in other ways.

• Farming bivalves helps create safe habitats, away from predators, for other, more vulnerable species, as well as eggs and babies. It also fosters biodiversity (aquaculture structures increase the available three-dimensional habitat for several species).
• Bivalves help to rebalance the marine environment by adding nutrients (think nitrogen and phosphorus), which there may be an excess of in certain regions. 
• Seaweed helps fight climate change by transforming CO₂ into oxygen during the day. They can also store more carbon, which may contribute to the acidification of oceans locally.

An excellent substitute for traditional animal protein

Restorative species are an excellent substitute for animal protein such as beef, pork, and chicken: by choosing these species and plant-based protein, such as legumes, you limit your environmental footprint and support aquaculture practices that can contribute to the health of marine fauna and flora. Every reason is good to reduce your meat consumption!

Products recommended by Ocean Wise

Fighting overfishing, ocean pollution, and climate change, the Ocean Wise Canadian organization clearly lists the most sustainably sourced fish, mollusc, and other seafood products, as well as non-sustainable ones. A search engine is also available to help find a specific species.

Moreover, by promoting Québec products, Ocean Wise supports local coastal communities in la Belle Province, which are hard at work to preserve the ecosystem of our bodies of water. Choosing restorative species farmed in Québec is one way to support an emerging industry that has a positive social, local, economical, and environmental impact. 

Written by Kayla Menu-Courey, account coordinator at Ocean Wise Seafood in Québec, and by the IGA team.