Some species have environmental or contamination concerns beyond mercury:
Farmed Atlantic Salmon: Higher in PCBs and dioxins due to feed and farming practices
Imported Shrimp & Catfish: Potential exposure to pollutants or antibiotic residues
The Environmental Literacy Council
Environmental & Sustainability Concerns
Certain fish are also best avoided for sustainability reasons, even if not high in mercury:
Atlantic Cod: Severely overfished and still vulnerable despite some recovery
The Environmental Literacy Council
Bluefin Tuna: Critically endangered due to intense fishing pressure
The Environmental Literacy Council
Orange Roughy: Again—long-lived and slow to reproduce, compromising its sustainability
The Environmental Literacy Council
Shark: Many species are threatened or endangered, and unsustainable fishing is a serious issue
The Environmental Literacy Council
Chilean Seabass (Patagonian toothfish): Oftentimes illegally fished, despite some certified sources
The Environmental Literacy Council
Summary: What to Avoid and Why
Fish / Seafood Reason to Avoid
Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, Tilefish, Orange Roughy, Bigeye Tuna, Marlin High mercury levels—risky for frequent consumption, especially for vulnerable groups
Farmed Atlantic Salmon, Imported Shrimp & Catfish Higher in PCBs/contaminants due to farming practices
Atlantic Cod, Bluefin Tuna, Orange Roughy, Sharks, Chilean Seabass Unsustainable species, overfishing threats
Quick Tip
If dietary variety is your goal, look to low-mercury, sustainable alternatives like:
Salmon (wild-caught Alaskan)
Sardines
Rainbow trout
Anchovies
Pollock
These options are both healthier and more planet-friendly
Verywell Health
