Every bite we take has an impact. And when it comes to seafood, that impact reaches far beyond our plates, touching oceans, communities, and ecosystems. Earth Day isn’t just about planting trees or switching off lights for an hour. It’s about making choices that respect the planet every single day, including the food we eat.
So, how can you enjoy seafood without contributing to overfishing or harming marine habitats? The good news: choosing sustainable seafood doesn’t have to be complicated. With a few key principles, you can eat well, feel good, and make a real difference.
1. Trust Transparency Over Buzzwords
Packaging can be misleading. “Fresh,” “natural,” or even “wild-caught” sounds promising—but they don’t always tell the full story. What matters more is transparency. Where was your seafood caught or farmed? Was it sourced locally? How was it handled?
A trusted fishmonger or seafood supplier should be able to answer these questions clearly. Look for businesses that are open about their supply chains and proud to share the story behind their seafood. If the answers are vague or dodged, that’s your cue to look elsewhere.
2. Think Local, Seasonal, and Traceable
Much like fresh produce, seafood has seasons. When you eat fish that’s in season locally, you reduce transport emissions and support regional fisheries that are often more tightly regulated. For example, Australian prawns, oysters, and barramundi all have peak times when they’re freshest and most responsibly sourced.
Traceability is key. A transparent supply chain tells you where the seafood was caught, how it was farmed, and how it got to your plate. The more traceable, the more trustworthy.
3. Try Underrated (but Delicious) Species
Love salmon and tuna? You’re not alone—but heavy demand puts pressure on these popular fish. Instead, try diversifying your seafood diet. Species like sardines, mackerel, mullet, and even mussels are not only sustainable, they’re incredibly nutritious and packed with flavour.
By choosing lesser-known options, you help ease the strain on overfished populations—and discover new favourites in the process.
4. Ask Where and How It Was Caught
Wild-caught doesn’t always mean better. The method used makes a massive difference. Line-caught, trap-caught, or pole-and-line methods have a lower environmental impact than bottom trawling, which can damage seabeds and result in bycatch (unintended marine life caught in nets).
Similarly, not all farmed fish are equal. Look for Australian farms that follow strict environmental guidelines and use sustainable feed sources.
5. Support Businesses That Prioritise the Planet
From restaurants to seafood markets, more businesses are putting sustainability at the heart of their sourcing. When you choose to shop with outlets that are committed to ethical practices, you’re not just buying fish—you’re supporting a movement.
At Seafood Factory Outlet, we’re proud to source seafood that’s responsibly caught or farmed, with full transparency and traceability. We believe in preserving the oceans we rely on while making premium seafood accessible to our community.
Why It Matters (and Why It’s Worth It)
Choosing sustainable seafood isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Every better choice you make sends a message: that our oceans are worth protecting, that fishing communities deserve fair treatment, and that our planet’s health is not optional.
This Earth Day, let your plate reflect your values. Eat consciously. Choose wisely. And enjoy seafood that nourishes both body and planet.
Visit us at 41 Clapham Rd, Regents Park NSW 2143, or shop responsibly sourced seafood online at www.seafoodfactoryoutlet.com.au. Every meal is a chance to do better, and it starts with you.
