What is the Most Sustainable Seafood to Eat in Singapore?

Singapore loves fresh seafood. After all, we live on an island, and the ocean is part of our culture and way of life.

But despite being a little red dot, did you know that each person in Singapore consumes a whopping 22kg of fresh seafood each year? That’s higher than the global average of 20kg! In 2020, Singapore reportedly imported 134,000 tonnes of seafood worth S$760 million, which goes to show our insatiable appetite for the bounties of the sea. 

A shocking discovery by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) also uncovered that three out of the four most popular species of seafood found in markets around Singapore are from unsustainable sources. 

Overview of Overfishing

The oceans are being overfished, which means fish is being taken from the seas at high enough rates that experts predict we will run out of wild seafood stocks by 2048. The fishing practice of bottom trawling drags nets across the ocean floor, catching all in its path and not just the target species.

For every 1kg of fish nabbed from trawling, between 1 and 2kg of “by-catch” like sea turtles are thrown back into the ocean. While over 85% of fish stocks come from unsustainable sources, 7.3 million tons of fish and other endangered marine animals are lost to destructive fishing practices. 

The next time we try to find a fresh seafood supplier in Singapore, it wouldn’t hurt to think about where it came from or how to make a more sustainable seafood choice.

Not only will it be better for the marine environment in which we live, but it will also pave the way to enjoying our favourite fresh seafood for years to come! 

What Types of Seafood Are Sustainable?

According to the World Wildlife Fund, sustainable seafood differs from country to country. A good start would be to look for eco-labels such as the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council), the BAP (Best Aquaculture Practices), and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council). These are internationally recognised certifications and ensure that the seafood is harvested or farmed with minimal impact on the environment.

Wondering what types of seafood are sustainable in Singapore? Here are a few options to look out for the next time you’re stocking up on fresh seafood.

Sustainable Fish

• Cod
• Atlantic Salmon
• Albacore Tuna
• Red Tilapia
• Chilean Sea Bass

On the other hand, some of the popular varieties of fish that should be avoided if possible include Yellow-Tailed Scads, Silver and Black Pomfrets, and Orange-Spotted Grouper, as well as all sharks and rays.

Sustainable Mollusks and Crustaceans

• Rock Lobster
• White Clams
• Vannamei Prawns
• Green Lip Mussel
• Pacific Oyster
• Sea Cucumber

Support Sustainable Seafood in Singapore

It can be hard to resist simply buying whatever’s most convenient and readily available. However, choosing sustainable seafood will go a long way in supporting the longevity of seafood production and protecting ocean habitats!

Greenwood Fish Market is committed to being Singapore’s #1 fresh seafood supplier with sustainable seafood products imported from Canada, Holland, the United States, New Zealand, South Korea and Australia. Our team comprises a bunch of crazy fishermen who love sharing their obsession with responsibly farmed and caught fresh seafood — from cod and halibut to lobsters and 25 different varieties of oysters.

Take a peek at our extensive range of fresh and frozen sustainable seafood now and shop guilt-free for your next fishy meal. Our ready-to-eat platters are sure to delight your taste buds, while our kick-bass collection of cold water seafood is guaranteed to get you hooked. Save 10% off your first order with the promo code “ILOVESEAFOOD”, no strings (or fishing lines) attached!