Environmental Defense Unveils New Online Seafood Selector

Contact: Becky Goldburg 212 505-2100

Environmental Defense today announced the launch of “Seafood Selector,” a unique interactive Web tool for consumers concerned about their diet, their health, and their environment. Filled with delicious fish recipes and important safety and health facts, Seafood Selector can be accessed at www.environmentaldefense.org.

A team of scientists, programmers and editors worked for more than a year to build the databased tool, which covers over 150 species of fish. “Seafood Selector is the largest database we know of that is devoted to providing consumer information on the best fish choices,” said Joyce Newman, Acting Chief Internet Officer.

Seafood Selector features dozens of recipes from award-winning chefs, including: Susan Spicer of Bayona in New Orleans (Mahimahi Baked in Grape Leaves); Rick Bayless of Chicago’s Frontera Grill (Grilled Wild Alaskan Salmon with Lemon-and Thyme-Scented Salsa Veracruzana); Stan Frankenthaler of Salamander in Boston (Blistered Mussels with Chinese Sausage, Coconut and Lime); and Kevin von Klause of White Dog Cafe in Philadelphia (Oysters Stewed in Thyme Cream with Thyme Croutons).

Visitors to Seafood Selector can learn how to pick and prepare the best, most environmentally sustainable fish. The site also tells how to avoid buying fish that are caught or farmed in ways that harm the environment.

“Americans are concerned about the health of their diet and the health of our oceans; Seafood Selector can help people with both, at just the click of a mouse,” said Environmental Defense senior scientist, Rebecca Goldburg. “More than 100 U.S. fish stocks are suffering from overfishing, and most commercial fisheries are reaching the brink of unsustainability. But by shopping for seafood caught or farmed in an environmentally sustainable manner, consumers can make a big difference.”

Seafood Selector is a part of the newly redesigned Environmental Defense web site, which offers a user-friendly, interactive experience for journalists, environmentalists, policymakers, and others interested in environmental issues.