tuna.jpgGreetings from Monterey, CA. We’ve joined a group of teens in a leadership program out here and just today experienced the ultra back-scenes tour of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Not only did we speak with researchers about the survival of the blue fin tuna, but were able to experience the huge tank from above, see the jellyfish tanks from behind, and see the area where sea otters are rehabbed.

This post will hopefully raise awareness about the seafood that we enjoy in restaurants, buy in the grocery store frozen, or eat while on trips to places with oceans. While we are landlocked in Buena Vista, we still affect the oceans by the choices we make when it comes to consuming seafood.

To gain some background information on how fish are caught or farmed and to find out which methods are “ocean friendly” check out this link.

According to the biologists we spoke with on our tour, one of the most important actions we can take as consumers is to choose our fish wisely. The aquarium has a lot of information on what fish and shellfish are appropriate to eat and why. Each is given a rating of “Best Choice”, “Good Alternative” or “Avoid”. Many times we won’t know what fish to order in a restaurant. This list gives you a great idea of what you can do and why it is important. For example: farmed abalone is a “Best Choice” fish (well, snail), while salmon fits into all the categories depending on the method it was caught. Wild caught (hook and line) in Alaska is the best choice, while farmed salmon rates as an “Avoid.”

Take a moment and check out this site and list. It is important that we vote with our dollars and getting informed is the first step. Your oceans will thank you for it!

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