Seafood Information for Consumers

FishWatch Details Sustainable Fisheries, Quality and Safety Issues

Nov 12, 2007

Consumers interested in sustainable fisheries and making informed seafood purchasing decisions should visit FishWatch for current information from fisheries managers.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has established a comprehensive web site to help seafood consumers make better purchasing decisions. The site known as FishWatch provides detailed information on the management and status of marine fisheries in the United States. Many consumers wish to make their purchase decisions in support of sustainable fisheries to better preserve our natural resources.

FishWatch Web Site Overview - Specific details are provided for each major species of fish and shellfish managed within the United States. This includes an overview of the species, sustainability status, management practices used in the fishery, life history, habitat, biomass, and historical fishery data. Additional fisheries information is provided in other areas of potential interest like fisheries management, terminology, gear groups, trade and food safety.

Fisheries Management - The lead agency for fish management in the United States is the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and FishWatch serves as a clearinghouse for relevant information available from the agency. Federal law requires fisheries managers to set harvest levels that will sustain healthy stocks. Guidance is provided through ten national standards driven by the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.

Fisheries Glossary - NOAA provides a complete glossary of fisheries related termonlogy and the guide is also available as a PDF download.

Fishing Gear Groups - Commercial fishing gear reflects the traditional methods used to catch fish. Each targeted species of fish and shellfish is a unique fishery that uses its own type of fishing gear. Advanced technology has shaped the basic equipment to reduce unwanted bycatch and damage caused to the environment. FishWatch provides an interesting reference of all the gear used by the major fisheries.

Profiles in Fishing - FishWatch has taken an interesting step at its site in providing brief biographies of people that work in the fishing industry. The people interviewed and highlighted include fishermen, fisheries observers, agency representatives, administrators, and national legislators

Domestic and International Trade - Commercial fishing represents a major economic driver for many coastal communities and is a substantial component in the national economy. FishWatch provides the current data on domestic consumption of seafood in the United States. Import and export data reflecting both value and volume of seafood are detailed.

Seafood and Health - Fish and shellfish are a major source of top-quality protein and these products are known for their health benefits. There are potential risks to consumers in purchasing seafood and FishWatch details suggestions to help in the process. Tips are provided for buying seafood, processing your own catch, storing fish and shellfish, safe cooking practices, and section on frequently asked questions is included.

The FishWatch site is an excellent resource provided to seafood consumers by NOAA. Any consumer interested in avoiding the use of overfished or threatened fish stocks will appreciate the information presented. Related details from the NMFS add to the value of the effort. Nationally, fisheries management continues to be an important subject and FishWatch is one way to safe abreast of the latest news and trends in the debate.

The copyright of the article Seafood Information for Consumers in Boating & Sailing is owned by Alan Sorum. Permission to republish Seafood Information for Consumers in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.