I grew up in a family that happily ate seafood whenever it was served--lobsters, clams, haddock, halibut, whatever. Fish was on the table at least once a week, often on Fridays, not because we were Catholic but because that was the day the notoriously foul-mouthed fish monger in his shop above the waterfalls in Camden had the most bountiful array. We ate halibut in season, haddock regularly, swordfish when available, scallops and shrimp in winter. But no cod--“too wormy,” my mother proclaimed. And no mussels because mussels back then were considered the trashiest of trash fish.
Terrific article- it sheds light on the “inconvenient” truth of the more obscure fishing industry, and opens our eyes to the certification process of aquaculture- certification that includes fair labor practices.
Hi Nancy. Chef/restaurant owner/fellow substack writer here! Thank you for the thought provoking spotlight on fish. Wanted to share something championed by Chef Dan Barber: https://docktodish.com. While Im personally too far south, I’ve been able to develop my own network of small fishmongers who celebrate seasonality and sustainability, which includes selling everything they catch. Worth looking into, at least!
People love to trash farmed fish -- as if it’s sport (fishing). Trout and baramundi are wonderful and long overlooked. And, tilapia can be cooked well too! Thank you for this, Nancy!
Dear Nancy, Insightful article as always. Thank you for the references to look at safe fish farming. I shall go on the websites to check out what they say.
I am certain that some of my friends consider me a snob about food as well. If it doesn’t come from Natural Grocer’s where one can truly depend on ethical sourcing and certified organic, I would rather not eat it. As I stopped eating meat some time ago, fish is a source of protein for me. It is important to know where it came from and how it was raised.
Your article was appreciated, as are the comments of other readers.
That beautiful plate of fried smelts—more than Santa Claus or carols—says Christmas to me. I did grow up Catholic and a golden plate of those little fish were my favorite of all the 7 seafood dishes on Christmas Eve. That aside, what a great article!
Thank you , so sad, to read what we are doing by the way fish is commercially harvested. And. thanks for giving a boost to farmed fish , that is better than have been thinking! . Loved the years in Maine that all the familiar fresh fish and shellfish were enjoyed regularly in your family! i could relate to that!Wonderful article, Thanks!
Why I Only Eat Farmed Fish (Mostly)
Terrific article- it sheds light on the “inconvenient” truth of the more obscure fishing industry, and opens our eyes to the certification process of aquaculture- certification that includes fair labor practices.
Also posted it on FB. Important info.
Thx, Nancy. Mind opened.
Hi Nancy. Chef/restaurant owner/fellow substack writer here! Thank you for the thought provoking spotlight on fish. Wanted to share something championed by Chef Dan Barber: https://docktodish.com. While Im personally too far south, I’ve been able to develop my own network of small fishmongers who celebrate seasonality and sustainability, which includes selling everything they catch. Worth looking into, at least!
People love to trash farmed fish -- as if it’s sport (fishing). Trout and baramundi are wonderful and long overlooked. And, tilapia can be cooked well too! Thank you for this, Nancy!
Portuguese cataplasma with mussels & clams, I hope you share a recipe I have the beautiful copper vessel
Dear Nancy, Insightful article as always. Thank you for the references to look at safe fish farming. I shall go on the websites to check out what they say.
I am certain that some of my friends consider me a snob about food as well. If it doesn’t come from Natural Grocer’s where one can truly depend on ethical sourcing and certified organic, I would rather not eat it. As I stopped eating meat some time ago, fish is a source of protein for me. It is important to know where it came from and how it was raised.
Your article was appreciated, as are the comments of other readers.
Agreed agreed agreed - a thousand times agreed, Nancy! But I do love a spider crab bought live from the creel.
That beautiful plate of fried smelts—more than Santa Claus or carols—says Christmas to me. I did grow up Catholic and a golden plate of those little fish were my favorite of all the 7 seafood dishes on Christmas Eve. That aside, what a great article!
Thank you , so sad, to read what we are doing by the way fish is commercially harvested. And. thanks for giving a boost to farmed fish , that is better than have been thinking! . Loved the years in Maine that all the familiar fresh fish and shellfish were enjoyed regularly in your family! i could relate to that!Wonderful article, Thanks!
Thank you so much for this.
Insightful article… thanks to you and others, especially restauranteurs who prioritize sustainable seafood!👏