Do you know where your fish comes from? Start asking.
“Dirty Water, Dangerous Fish” makes a powerful argument for knowing the origins of your food.
The Mekong River in Vietnam is the source of much of the farmed catfish (aka basa) sold in North America, Europe and Japan. It is also one of the most overcrowded and polluted waterways on Earth — a place where cement plants and salt factories stand side by side with residential housing, agriculture and aquaculture. Where industrial pollutants, sewage and waste water drain freely from the river into the fish ponds and back again.
A short yet powerful video that may change the way you eat — at least I hope so.
photo by Breno Peck
You’ve made me very glad I’m not fond of cat fish. Oh my gosh.
I’m afraid to say that most of the shrimp in our grocery stores come from similar circumstances in Thailand, Vietnam and South America. Farmed salmon is also under scrutiny.
But don’t despair…there are sustainable choices out there! Check out http://www.seachoice.org (Canada) or http://www.seafoodwatch.com (US) for your Sustainable Seafood Pocket Guide.
Theresa
I have heard so many horror stories about any farmed seafood from over seas, I don’t think I would ever take a chance. It has to be wild caught for me to think about buying anything, or farm raised in the US……food safety has to be at the top of your list!