OP here -thanks very much; great suggestions!

Anonymous wrote:Whole Foods has its own program and will give you a sense of what is and is not sustainable. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is generally thought to be the gold standard. As for the Asian markets, while you may save money, it is not a good place to look for sustainable fish since low prices and sustainable practices do not always go together (they can but I would be skeptical).

I think you need to be skeptical, and use the Monterey Bay app, regardless of the price of the fish. Don't dis the ethnic groceries, they have some great stuff

And there is nothing inherently more sustainable about shopping at more expensive stores.

Whole Foods has its own program and will give you a sense of what is and is not sustainable. The Monterey Bay Aquarium is generally thought to be the gold standard. As for the Asian markets, while you may save money, it is not a good place to look for sustainable fish since low prices and sustainable practices do not always go together (they can but I would be skeptical).

BTW two very sustainable choices you could develop a taste for are sardines and local farmed oysters. There are some really nice ones from the Rappahanock.

As a consumer interested in buying sustainable fish, you have to be prepared to evaluate each choice in whatever store you are in. I use the Monterey Bay Aquarium's sustainable seafood app. Just look up whatever item I'm interested in. This could be frozen shrimp at costco, smoked trout at Trader Joes, or any of the wide array of whole fish at my local latin american grocery stores with fish counters. The app will give you the info you need.

And if you're looking for good prices, see if there is a latin american or asian grocery store near you with a fish counter. I find great selection and low prices. I also find some old fish hanging out, so you have to know how to check for freshness. Mostly I look at the eyes. Croaker is a good choice if you're new to the whole fish thing. Fairly mild flavor. And the carcass makes good stock.

What a great idea. Getting this now.

There's a seafood truck at the Fresh Farms market on Rockville Pike Saturdays and at Bethesda Elementary Sundays.

As a consumer interested in buying sustainable fish, you have to be prepared to evaluate each choice in whatever store you are in. I use the Monterey Bay Aquarium's sustainable seafood app. Just look up whatever item I'm interested in. This could be frozen shrimp at costco, smoked trout at Trader Joes, or any of the wide array of whole fish at my local latin american grocery stores with fish counters. The app will give you the info you need.

And if you're looking for good prices, see if there is a latin american or asian grocery store near you with a fish counter. I find great selection and low prices. I also find some old fish hanging out, so you have to know how to check for freshness. Mostly I look at the eyes. Croaker is a good choice if you're new to the whole fish thing. Fairly mild flavor. And the carcass makes good stock.

Black Salt in the Palisades? I am actually not sure if what they offer is sustainable. Maybe call and ask? If you are truly interested, you could try reaching out to this guy. Hhe is originally from DC, a chef, and a champion of sustainable seafood.

www.bartonseaver.org

Where do you buy sustainable fish in NW DC? Is Whole Foods the only option? I never see fish at farmers' markets - wondering if there are other options out there.