The NOAA Fisheries reminds us that sustainably sourced seafood is the most “environmentally efficient source of protein on the planet.” That's one reason why prioritizing sustainable seafood matters to us not just on Earth Day, but every day of the year. From the early days of our company, our goal has been to connect customers throughout the entire U.S. with access to the freshest, healthiest seafood available. Enjoying the benefits of healthy seafood shouldn’t be a privilege based on where you live.
Maine Lobster Now is dedicated to providing information about the sourcing of our products and their regions of origin. When you order from us, you know you're getting the highest-quality seafood available. Sourcing our food responsibly and doing our part to protect the planet ensures the long-term viability of seafood populations that bolster the fishing industry and local economy in Maine.
It's also important to note, as it can be a common misconception, that both wild-caught and farmed seafood can be considered sustainably sourced when done responsibly.
There are many benefits to prioritizing sustainable seafood in your diet on Earth Day and throughout the rest of the year. These are the 5 biggest benefits of prioritizing sustainable seafood.
The Healthiest Protein Choice
Research has shown that sustainable seafood is the healthiest protein choice available. Consuming seafood 2 or more times a week and choosing it over red meat can reduce your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Seafood is also full of micronutrients, including selenium, zinc, Omega-3, Vitamin A, calcium, and iron, which all can contribute to a long-term healthy diet.
Saving the Oceans
It’s true that overfishing in some areas has led to a steady decline in fish populations throughout the world’s oceans. However, that is mostly due to unsustainable fishing practices. Conservation group Oceana has stated that sustainable fishing practices actually help support the health of the oceans and future fish populations. Buying seafood that you know is sustainably sourced ensures you aren’t contributing to the decline in the health of our oceans—you are sustaining them.
Increasing Global Food Security
The United Nations has stated that 3 billion people worldwide depend on seafood in their daily diets. Supporting sustainably sourced seafood to protect future fish populations supports the health of global food security for all people. Oceana predicts that prioritizing sustainable fishing can help us move closer toward eradicating world hunger.
Environmentally Friendly
Most farming and sourcing of seafood produces less greenhouse gas emissions than land-based animal farming, which has been shown to be a major driver of climate change. Seafood, whether farmed or wild-caught, also does not pose the same biodiversity risks that you get with land-based agriculture. In contrast, sustainably sourced seafood is in alignment with biodiversity and the ongoing health of our oceans.
Good for the Economy
Buying from local fishermen has always been important to us at Maine Lobster Now. Whether it’s wild-caught Alaskan King Crab, wild-caught Maine lobster, or Wester Ross Scottish Salmon or Finnan Haddie, we know that caring about where we get our product means caring about the people who are sourcing it. Prioritizing sustainability supports local jobs and helps local and global economies thrive.
Buying sustainably sourced seafood is good for you and good for the world. When you know where your seafood comes from, you know you are prioritizing your own health while also making an impact.
