8 Fish Species to Eliminate from Your Diet—for Your Health and the Planet

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## 🐡 3. **Orange Roughy**

### 🚫 Why Avoid:

* Lives up to 150 years, making it slow to reproduce and vulnerable to overfishing.
* High in mercury due to its long lifespan.
* Deep-sea trawling methods are **destructive to ocean habitats**.

### ✅ Better Alternative:

* Opt for **Pacific halibut** or **US-caught haddock** instead.

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## 🐋 4. **Shark**

### 🚫 Why Avoid:

* Contains **extremely high mercury levels**.
* Sharks are **top predators**, and removing them disrupts ocean ecosystems.
* Many species are endangered due to overfishing and finning practices.

### ✅ Better Alternative:

* Choose **sardines or anchovies** — small, sustainable, and omega-3 rich.

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## 🐟 5. **Imported Catfish (Pangasius or Swai)**

### 🚫 Why Avoid:

* Often farmed in **unsanitary conditions** with heavy antibiotic use.
* Environmental regulations in some exporting countries are weak or unenforced.
* Quality can be inconsistent.

### ✅ Better Alternative:

* Go for **U.S. farm-raised catfish**, which follows stricter regulations.

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## 🐟 6. **Eel (Unagi)**

### 🚫 Why Avoid:

* Overfished and slow to reproduce.
* Farming practices can pollute surrounding waters.
* Populations of European and Japanese eels are in rapid decline.

### ✅ Better Alternative:

* Try **sustainably farmed trout or Pacific sardines** for a similar texture and flavor profile.

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## 🐠 7. **King Mackerel**

### 🚫 Why Avoid:

* Known for **very high mercury levels**, especially dangerous for children and pregnant women.
* Large predatory fish accumulate more toxins over time.

### ✅ Better Alternative:

* Choose **Atlantic mackerel (North Atlantic, not Spanish or King)** — a smaller, cleaner, and more sustainable option.

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## 🐙 8. **Imported Farmed Shrimp**

### 🚫 Why Avoid:

* Frequently linked to **unsanitary farming conditions** and forced labor concerns.
* Farming often causes **coastal pollution** and destruction of mangroves.
* Use of antibiotics and chemicals is common.

### ✅ Better Alternative:

* Look for **U.S.-farmed shrimp** or **wild-caught shrimp from Canada or the Gulf of Mexico**.

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## 🌊 Why This Matters

Eating fish responsibly isn’t just about your personal health — it’s about the health of the oceans, too. By making informed choices:

* You reduce your risk of **mercury and chemical exposure**.
* You help combat **overfishing and habitat destruction**.
* You support **sustainable fishing practices and ethical labor conditions**.

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## 🧠 Final Thoughts

Fish can still be a healthy part of your diet — but it pays to be selective. Avoiding these 8 species can help protect your body and the planet. When in doubt, consult resources like the **Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch** or look for labels such as **MSC (Marine Stewardship Council)** for guidance on sustainable seafood.

Small changes in our plates can lead to big changes in our oceans. 🌍🐟💙

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Would you like a printable seafood buying guide or a sustainable seafood recipe roundup? Just let me know!