Seafood & Human Health Resources

Seafood plays an important role in a balanced diet. Our focus at Seafood Watch is to help people make seafood choices that are good for the ocean, using ecosystem-based criteria. For information on health or seafood safety please visit the websites listed below.

General Health and Omega-3s

Environmental Working Group (EWG)

The EWG website provides an online shopping tool and seafood calculator that helps people find sustainable seafood that's lower in mercury and higher in omega-3 fatty acids.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

Harvard School of Public Health advances the public's health through learning, discovery and communication. This site includes extensive information and recommendations on heart-healthy omega-3s.

Seafood Health Facts: Making Smart Choices

Seafood Health Facts provides consumers with information regarding the benefits and risks of consuming seafood. This site includes resources to guide consumers through safely choosing, storing and preparing seafood.

University of Michigan

The University of Michigan Integrative Medicine provides a guide to understanding the role of seafood in our diet, including omega-3 fatty acids.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

This EPA website provides information regarding local seafood safety issues, as well as national consumption advisories on safe eating guidelines for seafood.

Mercury and Contaminants

Department of Health and Human Services

The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry covers frequently asked questions about mercury contamination.

Environmental Defense Fund (EDF)

The EDF Seafood Selector rates the sustainability and mercury levels of commonly consumed seafood species. This site also includes individual monthly intact recommendations.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA provides information on the safety of seafood after an oil spill.

The Safina Center (formerly Blue Ocean Institute)

An overview and resources on mercury levels in seafood from The Safina Center.

Radiation Concerns

Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The FDA responds to the Fukushima nuclear power facility incident and its effect on U.S. seafood.

The Safina Center (formerly Blue Ocean Institute)

The Safina Center answers questions about radiation in West Coast seafood.