Sustainably Caught (104)

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, more than 85 percent of the world’s fisheries are fully exploited, leading to 1,098 endangered fish species. Not only are various fish stocks overfished in many areas, but many traditional fishing methods capture marine animals as bycatch, which can have detrimental effects on the overall health of the ocean’s ecosystem. That’s why shopping sustainably caught fish and seafood is more important than ever. While U.S. seafood laws work to prevent overfishing where possible, more and more brands are taking extra steps to protect depleted stocks and rebuild oceanic habitats. How exactly? By fishing responsibly and sustainably. Learn more about the brands that are making a difference.

What Is Sustainably Caught?

Seafood caught by fishermen operating under sustainable fishery management protocol qualify as sustainably caught. This distinction means the fishermen work to conserve fish stocks and only source abundant species that can be obtained without disrupting their ecosystems.

Benefits of Sustainably Caught

Choosing sustainably caught fish and seafood has a chain of benefits. It wards against species extinction and improves fish habitats, which in turn helps the surrounding coastal communities and results in a healthier oceanic environment. Sustainably caught fish may be a more nutritious choice, too, as they tend to be high in key vitamins and minerals, including omega 3s.

Tips for Shopping Sustainably Caught

The first step to buying seafood sustainably is realizing that, as a consumer, you have the power to make a difference that benefits you and the future of the planet. Here are a few more tips for shopping smarter:

• Stay in the know when it comes to the health of our oceans and learning where your seafood comes from.
• Don’t be afraid to try less fished seafood species (think trout, hake, or herring).
• Read labels carefully and look for terms like “wild caught” or “sustainably farmed.”
• Look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label. The organization is dedicated to sustainable fishing practices.

Top Sustainably Caught Brands

Check out these sustainable options—all available from Thrive Market:

Safe Catch

This tech-savvy brand use spotters or sonars to help detect when a school of skipjack tuna is swimming by (instead of bait), which has helped reduce its bycatch to roughly 0.3 percent. The company also uses proprietary technology to test every single fish for mercury to eliminate consumer worries about toxicity.

Safe Catch Canned Wild Pink Salmon

Hand-picked and tested for mercury before packing, these salmon steaks retain essential omega-3 oils and are slow-cooked for maximum flavor. Bonus: You get 14 grams of protein per serving!

Thrive Market

Our very own Thrive Market line of products offers affordable goods without compromising on quality or ethical standards. Check out our flash-frozen sustainable seafood and other premium buys including wine, meat, cleaning supplies, baby essentials, body care products, and other household staples.

Wild Caught Seafood Box

Our sustainably sourced seafood box is brimming with fresh flavor and is 100% wild caught. Enjoy succulent Sockeye salmon, tender shrimp, delicately sweet scallops, and fork-tender cod.

New Chapter

For nearly four decades, New Chapter has been selling organic, ethically sourced, non-GMO supplements to support natural health and wellness. The brand is committed to promoting natural health with minimal environmental impact.

Wholemega Whole Fish Oil

This daily wellness booster is comprised of wild Alaskan salmon oil, which delivers 17 omegas, vitamin D3, and other antioxidants that support heart health.

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Meet Our Meat and Seafood

Ethically and sustainably sourced, our meat and seafood program is a cut above the rest! Learn more about how our members are enhancing their meals with our premium animal proteins.

What Is Sustainable Farming?

Want to do more for the environment while enjoying delicious food in the process? Take a closer look at this flourishing farming movement that supports local growers and provides better-quality crops.

What Is a GMO?

Knowing your food terminology is always a good idea, especially when it comes to contentious ingredients. That’s why we’re taking a deep dive into GMOs, aka genetically modified organisms, so we can shop smarter (not harder).