- This year's top sustainable picks include wild-caught King George whiting, red emperor and southern calamari (VIC, NSW, SA); and farmed barramundi, Murray cod and mussels.
- Aussie shoppers should avoid Tasmanian farmed Atlantic salmon which has significant environmental impacts, especially in Macquarie Harbour.
- The GoodFish Sustainable Seafood Guide makes it easy to find sustainable seafood options
As Australians gather around the Easter period with family and friends, the Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) is urging seafood lovers to make choices that support healthy oceans with the GoodFish sustainable seafood guide.
AMCS Sustainable Seafood Program Manager, Adrian Meder said: "Easter is the second-largest seafood-buying period in Australia after Christmas. With demand for seafood soaring, choosing sustainable options is more important than ever to protect our oceans for future generations.
"Our seasonal picks for this year include King George whiting, mussels, farmed Murray cod, southern calamari, red emperor, and delicious farmed barramundi. All of which are great on the BBQ.
"As well as pointing Aussies towards Green-Listed seafood, the GoodFish Guide also helps you know what to avoid. This Easter, we're urging seafood lovers to avoid Tasmanian farmed Atlantic salmon. Salmon farms there continue to cause significant environmental harm. Critically, farms in Macquarie Harbour have drastically depleted oxygen levels, pushing the endangered Maugean skate to the brink of extinction. It's also super easy to replace with Australian farmed barramundi, which is broadly available and easy to cook.
"By choosing Green-listed seafood, Australians are sending a strong message that we care about the future of our oceans. If you're not sure what to buy, the GoodFish Guide has you covered with clear, science-based recommendations. By buying green-listed seafood, you're supporting fishers and farmers having a light touch on our oceans. It's never been easier to enjoy delicious seafood while making a positive impact."
This Year's Top Picks for a Sustainable Easter Feast:
- Farmed Barramundi (Australia) - A much-loved Aussie favourite, Australian-farmed barramundi is a great choice. Farmed barramundi is a delicious and responsible alternative to wild caught, which is often caught using damaging gillnets that pose a risk to protected marine species such as dugongs and sea turtles. It's widely available in supermarkets and fishmongers, making it an easy choice.
- King George Whiting - One of the best choices for a light, easy-to-cook fish. It's mostly caught by line or haul net fishing in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia that has a low impact on surrounding marine life. Its delicate, slightly sweet flavour makes it a favourite for grilling or pan-frying.
- Farmed Murray Cod - Though vulnerable in the wild, Murray cod is now a great example of sustainable aquaculture. Raised in ponds on land, it has minimal environmental impact, with some farms even repurposing wastewater to support nearby agriculture. Murray cod is a fantastic option for special occasions and works well in a variety of dishes. Though good oven-baked, if you want something new, try Adam O'Keefe's cod curry which you can find in the GoodFish Cookbook.
- Mussels - These humble shellfish are among the most sustainable seafood choices available. As filter feeders, they improve water quality while requiring no additional feed or chemicals. Plus, they're delicious, packed with nutrients, and easy to prepare. Mussels can be steamed, grilled, or added to pastas and soups for an extra boost of umami flavor. Choosing Australian-farmed mussels supports local aquaculture and ensures a low-impact meal.
- Red Emperor - Caught primarily by line fishing in Queensland, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory, red emperor is a sustainable choice that also benefits from marine protected areas in parts of its range. This stunning, deep-bodied fish has a firm texture and mild flavour, making it ideal for baking or grilling. Its stable populations and low-impact fishing methods make it an excellent choice for Easter feasts.
- Southern Calamari (VIC, NSW, SA) - A fast-growing species with naturally strong populations, Southern calamari is a great choice when sourced from Victorian, Western Australia, and South Australian fisheries that use responsible fishing methods. Squid is a versatile ingredient, perfect for barbecues, pastas, and stir-fries.
The GoodFish Guide makes it easy to find sustainable seafood, and avoid products that are harming our oceans. Some of the most common seafood choices on the market come from overfished stocks or fisheries with high levels of bycatch. Checking the GoodFish Guide before making a purchase can help consumers make informed choices that benefit both the environment and responsible fishers and farmers.
This Easter, make a difference with every meal. By opting for sustainable choices, Australians can enjoy their Easter feasts with confidence, knowing they're helping to protect marine biodiversity and preserve seafood resources for generations to come. Explore the GoodFish Guide at www.GoodFish.org.au to find more sustainable seafood options, responsible retailers, and restaurants committed to sustainability.
