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Chef Ben Ford explained on Supper Club with Tom Bergeron that farm raised fish are not as bad as they are often portrayed, especially if they're raised organically and come from local fish farmers. But what does fish farming really entail and what does it mean to you, the consumer?
Educate yourself on the ins and outs of fish farming:
- It involves commercially raising fish in tanks and enclosures usually for food. The practice of farm raising fish started as a reaction to the over fishing practices that caused many fish species such as halibut, cod, orange roughy, sea bass, and grouper to become depleted.
- Recently, there have been quite of few criticisms of farm raised fish. Sometimes the fish become damaged because they are packed so closely that their fins rub against each other. Also, some fisheries add dyes and antibiotics to the fish that can be harmful to the end product. As the quality of the water deteriorates in enclosed tanks, the fish begin to absorb the toxins and chemicals floating around in the water. These toxins and chemicals are also hard on our planet.
Pick eco-friendly fish farms:
- In order for fish farming to be eco-friendly the fish need to be raised in a recirculating aquaculture system (RAS). A RAS is a series of culture tanks and filters where water is continuously recycled. To prevent the deterioration of water quality, the water is treated mechanically through the removal of particulate matter and biologically through the conversion of harmful accumulated chemicals into nontoxic ones.
- Make sure that you buy organic farmed fish that don't have any antibiotics and chemicals added to them and make sure that the fishery is close to home. That way the fish don't have to use tons of fossil fuels to get to your table.
More on Eco Friendly Fish:
Sustainable Fish Now Served on Not-So Sustainable Flights
Future of Food: Fish Farms in Condos
G Word Episode: Eco Friendly Fish
Getting Eco Friendly When it Comes to Fish
Interested in hearing what celebrities have to say about green? Eavesdrop on their dinner conversations on Planet Green TV's Supper Club.
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