Seafood Glossary
- Wild-Caught
- Marine animals that are harvested in their natural habitat. This can include oceans, lakes, or rivers.
- Farm-Raised
- Marine animals that are raised in controlled environments such as ponds, tanks, or ocean enclosures. This farming method is also known as “aquaculture.”
- Sustainable Fishing
- Leaving enough fish in the ocean to replenish the population; fishing in a way that respects other species and marine habitats; and managing the fishery in a way that can adapt to changing environmental circumstances and ensure people who depend on fishing can maintain their livelihoods.
- Overfishing
- Overfishing occurs when the fishing rate is higher than the rate at which fish reproduce and repopulate or when there are not enough adult fish left to breed and maintain a healthy population.
- Bycatch
- Fish or other marine species caught unintentionally during the fishing process. Bycatch is a serious issue especially when endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) species such as turtles and dolphins are accidentally caught, injured, or killed. Referred to as “unwanted catch” in the MSC program.
- Omega-3s
- Fish is an excellent source of protein while also being low in saturated fat, unlike many meat products. Fatty seafood, like salmon, is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s have many health benefits including improved heart function.
