As a passionate environmentalist and public health advocate, I am deeply concerned about the stress placed on our oceans due to our ever-increasing demand for seafood. Couple this with the fact that many fish we eat, while  healthy and delicious, also happen to be seriously contaminated with industrial pollutants like mercury, led me to stop eating fish altogether in recent years. Luckily, there are now many handy guides available that provide recommendations on how to make fish choices that are best for the oceans AND best for our health.

My Top Three

• Environmental Defense Fund’s Guide to Seafood Eco-Ratings, for its straightforward approach. Note also the sushi-specific list.

• The Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program, for being such a consistent and excellent source of information on making ocean-friendly choices. Be sure to browse their Super Green List, which recommends the healthiest and most environmental options.

• Fish Wise, for making on-the-spot purchasing decisions at the grocery store easier. Prioritize green options, but yellow is OK in a pinch. Hopefully your grocer won’t have any of the red/unsustainable fish on offer. If they do, explain why they should reconsider this!