Farmed Fish

The bigger problem with tilapia is where and how this fish is frequently farmed. It’s nearly impossible to find U.S.-bred tilapia fillets because our colder climate requires these tropical fish to be grown in expensive indoor tanks, says Michael Rubino, director of the NOAA Fisheries Aquaculture Program. Almost all of the frozen fillets sold in grocery stores and served at restaurants come from China, while most fresh tilapia fillets come from Central America.

Although there are some highly reputable global producers that grow healthy fish in an environmentally sound fashion — namely the world’s largest producer, Regal Springs — there are many farmers, especially in Asia, that do not. Many foreign producers in under-regulated nations have been found to raise diseased tilapia in too-tight quarters, pumping fish full of antibiotics, clearing forests to make room for on-shore tanks, and even feeding fish feces. Such measures not only yield poor-quality fish but can cause major damage to the surrounding land and water.

Eat wild Omega 3 rich fish

Connie’s comments: Eat wild fish instead of farmed fish.