Between increased environmental awareness and decreased fish stocks, people are looking more and more for alternative ocean foods. Salty treats previously passed over are now swimming in the hearts (and bellies) of people all over. So move aside salmon, tuna, tilapia, and shrimp, there's new fish (and more) in the sea.
Floundering
Right now, ninety percent of the world's fish stalks are seriously depleted. This has led to people searching for a more sustainable way to enjoy seafood with searches for "alternative seafood" reaching an all-time high. But with terms like "farm raised," "wild caught," "longline-caught," and "handline" it is easy to feel overwhelmed in your quest to be sustainable. Fortunately, guides such as Seafood Watch exist to help people make more informed decisions on their seafood purchases.
Plenty of Fish in the Sea
The tides are changing. Fish previously dubbed as "trash fish" are making a splash in different stores and restaurants. Barramundi, monkfish, sheepshead, mullet, and more are being served nationwide. Reception on these different types of fish have been pretty food too! With people saying the various fishes taste like "lobster," "red snapper," and "cod." Yum!
Green with Envy
Want the taste of the sea without the fish? Then have no fear, algae are here! Plus, with thousands of strains, there is sure to be one you'll like! This superfood is becoming more mainstream and it is easy to see why. A typical serving of algae is packed full of protein, zinc, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and potassium. That sounds pretty great. We are just salty we haven't got to try it yet.
What This Means for Brands
The sustainability movement has made waves on land and is now headed out to the sea. Consumers are making more informed, environmentally friendly purchases and are relying on brands to help show them the way. When brands clearly label their sustainable products, consumers can easily find and purchase them, resulting in a win-win for everyone! Shell yeah!