Wellness LetterEat WellSearching for Sustainable Seafood

Expert Q&A

Searching for Sustainable Seafood

The ecologist Carl Safina weighs in on the current state of the world’s fisheries

Nutrition experts recommend seafood as an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are critical to health, especially for the heart, eyes, and brain.  Unfortunately, fishing grounds around the world are under enormous stress due to overfishing, poor management, and rampant environmental po...


Carl Safina spent much of his childhood on Long Island, New York, during the 1960s and 1970s, and he devoted his spare time to hiking, camping, and fishing in the region. He observed how the rapid expansion of these suburban communities in that period was leading to rampant pollution and the devastation of wildlife areas and natural habitats, including fishing grounds. These experiences fueled his lifelong passion for environmental causes.

After studying environmental science in college, Safina received a doctorate in ecology from Rutgers University. He is a professor of nature and humanity at Stony Brook University, the author of several books including the award-winning Song for the Blue Oceanand the founding president of the Safina Center, a nonprofit environmental think tank and advocacy group.

  • November 1, 2020
    Mussels: Super Source of Omega-3s

    Don’t overlook mussels as an excellent source of marine omega-3 fats (EPA and DHA). They supply anywhere from about…

  • August 18, 2023
    Fishing for Plant Sources of Omega-3s

    Typically, when we think of omega-3 fatty acids, we think fish. But if you don’t eat salmon, sardines, tuna, or other…

  • Manhattan Shellfish Chowder
    August 30, 2024
    Manhattan Shellfish Chowder

    James Beard once called Manhattan clam chowder “a vegetable soup that accidentally had some clams dumped into it.”…

Related Articles

healthy food

A New Definition of ‘Healthy’

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is revamping its standards for which foods can be labeled as “healthy”—welcoming some new additions, like salmon and...

Lentil, Goat Cheese, and Beet Salad

This simple but delicious recipe, which provides a good amount of protein from the lentils, can be a meal in itself. You can use...