Eat well. Feel good. Protect what you love.
At Albatross, seafood runs deep. It’s more than just food to us—it’s connection. To place, to health, to each other, and to the wild ocean that sustains us all.
But here’s the truth: not all seafood is good seafood. Some is caught or farmed in ways that damage ecosystems, exploit workers, and endanger future fish populations. And some is harvested with care, skill, and respect—for both nature and the people who depend on it.
The good news? You have the power to choose wisely.
And with a few tips, finding the right fish gets a whole lot easier.
🐟 1. Go Small, Go Local, Go Wild (When You Can)
Smaller fish like sardines, anchovies, and mackerel are not only packed with nutrients—they’re some of the most sustainable options out there. They reproduce quickly, are low on the food chain, and often come from well-managed fisheries.
Bonus points if they’re local and wild-caught. Ask your fishmonger or check the label—where was it caught, and how?
Where we live here at Albatross, we’re privileged to have access to a very well managed fishery in our backyard. We love that we get to support local fishermen and women (and their families) by supporting them in a career that inextricably connects them to the health of the sea, and by doing so we get to build community via enjoying delicious food!
What’s considered local you ask? Well, we guess that depends on where you live. For example, even many inland cities have relatively sustainable freshwater trout farms near them. In general though, fish sourced from the USA is well managed– Whether Alaska, California or Maine, any American sourced fish is generally a good option.
🧭 2. Use the Tool: Seafood Watch
Check out the free Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch site and download the App. It tells you what’s sustainable right now in your region and what to avoid.
You can also look for certifications like:
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MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) – for wild fisheries
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ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) – for responsibly farmed seafood
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Fair Trade Certified – for ethical labor and harvesting practices
It’s important to note though that no organization is perfect— but they can be helpful in some situations. Real talk: Some organizations [not necessarily mentioned here; this is a general statement] are likely influenced by their donor’s interests at least some of the time. Consume diverse sources of information; do your own homework; make up your own mind.
Again, in general, American (and Canadian) sourced seafood is usually a good start.
🌊 3. Be Cautious with Farmed Shrimp and Imported Fish
Farmed shrimp (especially from overseas) can be an ecological and ethical mess—polluting waters and often linked to forced labor and deforestation of the mangrove trees. Same goes for cheap imported fish like tilapia or pangasius.
When in doubt, skip it.
🐚 4. Try Mussels, Clams, and Oysters
As long as you are not allergic, these shellfish are regenerative: they clean the water as they grow and don’t require feed. Mussels from the Pacific Northwest or clams from the East Coast? Chef’s kiss. Sustainable, affordable, and incredibly good for you.
🛒 5. Ask Questions. Shop Intentionally.
Where is this from?
Was it wild or farmed?
Is it in season? Fresh?
If a restaurant or store can’t answer these, that’s a signal. Good suppliers know their sources—and they’re proud to tell you.
As mentioned before, we take seafood real seriously. Asking questions isn’t about being intrusive, it’s about helping to protect something we love.
✨ 6. Every Choice Sends a Signal
The seafood industry is massive, but our individual choices do ripple out.
When you choose the good stuff, you’re helping:
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Protect marine ecosystems
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Support responsible fishers and their families
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Keep future generations fed
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And keep the oceans wild and alive
Ethics don’t have to be heavy—they can be delicious. It just takes a little discipline to do the right things.
❤️ Eat with Gratitude
One last thing: slow down when you cook seafood. Appreciate it. It’s a gift, not a given. The ocean is abundant, but not infinite. Eating with care is a quiet act of respect. Respect for the fish that gave its life for our nourishment. Respect for the importance of a healthy ocean. And, respect for each other as we share in a special meal together.
Let’s eat like the ocean matters—because it does.
And let’s make dinner something we’re proud of.
— Team Albatross