Seafood
Frequently Asked Questions
Seafood Sustainability
- What is the definition of "sustainable seafood"?
- Why is seafood sustainability important?
- What is Aquaculture and why is it important?
- What laws are in place in the United States to protect the fishery resource?
- I've heard bad things about farm-raised seafood. Can it really be sustainable?
H-E-B Seafood Products
Seafood & Your Health
- Are there health benefits to including seafood in my diet?
- Should I be concerned about mercury in seafood?
- Should pregnant or nursing women and young children be concerned about mercury in seafood?
What is the definition of "sustainable seafood"?
"Environmentally sustainable" seafood can be defined as fish and shellfish that are raised or harvested in a manner that protects not only the target seafood species but also the ecosystem, so that future generations can have access to the resource.
Why is seafood sustainability important?
Protecting the long-term sustainability of the world's seafood resources is important to all of us—including fishermen, fishing communities, seafood businesses, retailers and consumers who want to continue to enjoy their favorite varieties of seafood over time. In addition, we have a responsibility to ensure that future generations can enjoy the many delicious varieties of seafood and also have continued access to the health benefits that seafood provides.
What is Aquaculture and why is it important?
Aquaculture is the cultivation of marine and freshwater finfish and shellfish. If we are to continue meeting the growing demand for healthy, nutritious seafood, we will need a viable aquaculture industry. In March 2009, the United Nations reported that aquaculture accounted for 47% of the world's seafood supply in 2006.
What laws are in place in the United States to protect the fishery resource?
The 1976 law known as the Magnuson Fishery Conservation and Management Act created eight Regional Fishery Management Councils to manage the "exclusive economic zone" adjacent to coastal states. These Councils develop science-based fishery management plans that are then approved by the NOAA Fisheries Service.
In 2007, the U.S. Congress updated our nation's fishery laws and mandated that regional Fishery Management Councils have science-based regulations in place by 2011 to end overfishing in all U.S. fisheries.
Return to TopI've heard bad things about farm-raised seafood. Can it really be sustainable?
The development of standards for aquaculture practices by third party groups such as the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) and the WWF's Aquaculture Dialogues (soon to be Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)) are helping to ensure that sustainability considerations are fundamental to fish farming operations. H-E-B's suppliers for key farm-raised products such as shrimp, tilapia, salmon and catfish are third-party certified or in the process of seeking certification. Additionally, our suppliers do not use growth hormones in their farming operations.
Why do you sell imported seafood?
The short answer is there simply is not enough domestic seafood supply to feed consumer demand. In 2009 more than 84% of seafood consumed in the United States was imported. At H-E-B we are proud to offer a variety of domestically wild-caught and farm-raised species. Additionally, we source from around the world to offer the greatest variety of the freshest, highest-quality seafood possible.
Why did you stop selling orange roughy?
Because we care about the health and sustainability of orange roughy, we will no longer sell orange roughy, as soon we have worked through our existing inventory and supplier commitments. We will only consider selling orange roughy if at some point in the future it is certified sustainable by a reputable third-party organization.
Are there health benefits to including seafood in my diet?
Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. They are low in saturated fat and contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for cardiovascular health. For additional information and recommendations on healthy eating and including seafood in your diet, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.
Should I be concerned about mercury in seafood?
The 2010 USDA report on Dietary Guidelines for Americans concludes that the health benefits of consuming a variety of cooked seafood outweighs the risks associated with methyl mercury. For additional information visit the FDA's food safety website.
Should pregnant or nursing women and young children be concerned about mercury in seafood?
According to the FDA / EPA 2004 advice on mercury and seafood, "A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development. So, women and young children in particular should include fish or shellfish in their diets due to the many nutritional benefits." The FDA and EPA advise women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers and young children to avoid eating Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel and Tilefish, which can contain high levels of mercury. The FDA also advises limiting their seafood consumption to no more than 12 ounces per week. For additional information visit the FDA's food safety website.