Why We Love Sustainable Seafood
Not only does sustainable seafood provide many health benefits, but it also has a positive impact on the environment. When it comes to seafood, sustainability means that the seafood is caught in ways that promote the long-term vitality of the species. This means the species as a whole will not face extinction caused by fishing, and communities that are dependent on fisheries are still able to support themselves through the catching and selling of the seafood. Oceans take up about 71% of the Earth’s surface, so sustainability is important to keep the ocean’s ecosystems alive and healthy.
4 Benefits of Sustainable Seafood
It’s a Healthy Source of Protein
Poke Bowl at Timoti’s Seafood Shak
Many people choose to eat seafood because it is one of the best protein choices available because of its high amount of micronutrients such as selenium, zinc, Omega-3, Vitamin A, calcium, and iron. Eating seafood two or more times a week is also likely to lower your risk of heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.
It’s Environmentally Friendly
Overfishing in some areas has contributed to the decline of fish populations across the world. However, overfishing is caused by the use of fishing practices that are not sustainable, as the populations of fish are not supported after fisheries have caught what they need to sell. Ocean conservation groups like Oceana have argued that sustainable fishing is actually beneficial to the health of future fish populations, so you can enjoy seafood that you know was sustainably caught without guilt.
Most seafood farming also produces less greenhouse gas emissions than land animal farming. Greenhouse gas emissions are known to be a driving force behind rising temperatures and climate change. However, sustainable seafood promotes the health of the planet.
It Can Help Support Local Economies
Image courtesy of NOAA via Unsplash
Many coastal towns across the United States rely on fishing to support their local economy. By buying sustainable seafood, you directly support local economies and the people who live in coastal areas. Not only do local economies benefit, but sustainable seafood is often affordable, which helps you save money, too.
It Increases Global Food Security
Over three billion people around the world depend on seafood to get the nutrients they need for a healthy diet. Purchasing seafood from sustainable fisheries promotes organizations that will ensure marine life does not go extinct. In turn, this helps to guarantee that people who eat seafood will always have access to it.
Timoti’s Seafood Shak
At Timoti’s, we use sustainable, wild-caught seafood to create all of our unique menu items. Stop by your nearest Timoti’s location to enjoy fan-favorite seafood dishes!