New Consumer Tool for Seafood Selection

For Immediate Release

(Washington, DC-March 18, 2008) Americans are eating more fish than ever, and seafood sales increase dramatically during the Lenten season. The fish counter can be a confusing place though, even for the most educated fish lover. Many ask, how many times a week can I safely eat tuna? Is it ok to eat swordfish again? 

To help consumers make the most informed seafood choices while shopping or eating out, Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) introduces a new way for consumers to access health and environmental information electronically about their favorite kinds of seafood.

The “Seafood Selector To-Go,” http://m.edf.org/seafood, provides consumers with mobile access to recommendations for more than 200 popular seafood choices thus eliminating guess work and having to rely on fishmongers or waiters. Shoppers can easily access the best substitutes for their favorite but overfished choices as well as exactly how many times they can eat choices like tuna and swordfish.

“Many eco- and health-conscious consumers are confused about issues such as overfishing and mercury,” said Tim Fitzgerald, marine scientist for EDF. “This new tool provides easy access to best and worst choices, as well as more detailed health and environmental information and recipes.”

To provide consumers with clear, consistent information, Environmental Defense Fund and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch program recently harmonized their seafood eco-guides. Choosing ocean-friendly fish is of growing importance as our oceans are in decline from overfishing, habitat destruction and pollution. Along with helping consumers choose the most environmentally-friendly choices, EDF is working with local fishermen and fisheries managers to promote policies that will ensure a greater abundance of healthy, local and ocean-friendly seafood.

“We want to give busy consumers a variety of ways to access our unique compilation of environmental and health research, be it on wallet cards, our Seafood Selector website, or their mobile device,” continued Fitzgerald.

Seafood sales traditionally increase 30 percent during the weeks between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday. The rest of the year, most American seafood dollars are spent in restaurants.

“Until restaurants and supermarkets offer this kind of information at point-of-purchase, consumers will need assistance in making the best seafood choices for them and their families,” offered Fitzgerald.