Seafood is widely regarded as a healthy choice; it’s high in protein and good fats and is packed full of important vitamins and minerals that are hard to get elsewhere.
Plus, wild-caught seafood doesn’t have the hefty environmental impact that many other high-protein foods have. When compared to land-based animal proteins like chicken and beef, wild caught seafood has a lower carbon footprint, and requires no land, fresh water, fertilizers, or feed.
And, when fisheries are well-managed, they can provide generation after generation with a sustainable food source. Looking for the MSC blue fish label is a great way to make sure you can get the benefits of seafood while supporting well-managed, sustainable fisheries that don’t leave a lasting impact on the ocean.
So, how does pacific cod stack up?
Is Pacific cod healthy and sustainable?
Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus) is a pretty big deal. While (somehow!) only ranking about seventh on the list of the most popular seafood options in North America, it is the second largest commercial groundfish fishery in the US! And it’s no surprise, because Pacific cod is a delicious, mild, flaky white fish that is also versatile and adaptable for a wide variety of cuisines.
Plus, the BSAI and GOA Pacific Cod Fishery has been MSC certified since 2010, making it a sustainable option that’s good for you AND the ocean.
Pacific cod is good for you
Pacific cod is an excellent, lean protein. A three-ounce serving provides an average of 20 grams of protein! It’s also rich in Vitamins b12 and D, niacin, phosphorous, and selenium, which is an antioxidant that supports a healthy thyroid and immune system.
Pacific cod is also makes for a perfect protein a a wide variety of preparations, too! Whether it's baked with lemon and garlic, pan fried and crispy, or breaded and added to a taco, it'll be a crowd pleaser.
And when your Pacific cod purchase comes with the MSC blue fish label, you can be sure the ocean also benefits.
MSC certified Pacific cod is good for the ocean
In addition to catching fish from healthy populations and minimizing their impact on the surrounding ecosystem, the Pacific Cod fishery has a long history of good management. Everyone, from the fishers to managers, puts sustainability first.
One of the tactics that supports good management is the use of independent fishery observers on 100% of the catcher/processor vessels. Catcher/processors—which are essentially floating factories where fish are caught and immediately processed onboard the vessel, making every trip highly efficient—account for 90% of Pacific cod catch.
On these boats, the observer’s job is to act as the eyes and ears of the fishery managers by reporting on what’s caught and what’s discarded. Observers are a great way to support good management of a fishery, as they provide high quality information on the fishery harvest and bycatch. The data they collect is used to assess fish populations and set fisheries quotas for future seasons.
Pacific cod from this fishery can be found in many different forms, from filets to breaded fish sticks. The next time you’re at the grocery store, grab some Pacific cod with the MSC blue fish label on it for a meal that’s both good for you AND the planet.
