Farm Raised Fish Are Unhealthy
Efforts by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have been very successful in the last two decades in diminishing the commercial fishing industry in this country, to the detriment of the general public, as well as eliminating recreational fishing opportunities. Though there have always been, often heated disagreements between both recreational and commercial interests in the past, there has also been a major effort to bring the two sides closer together by groups like Save The Summer Flounder Fisheries Fund (SSFFF) and the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA). These groups that marched in Washington this past year, have finally recognized that together they can focus their anger at the correct targets such as: NOAA, NMFS, The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), The Pew Foundation and Dr. Jane Lubchenco, who heads NOAA and was a ‘big wig’ at the EDU. (I will add President Obama because he anointed Dr. Jane).
I have for years, suspected that there was a connection between fish farming interests and left wing anti fishing KOOKS. I haven’t yet been able to find the “Smoking Gun.” There is, however, plenty of evidence that the farm raised fish these groups would like to see you eat (instead of fresh caught seafood) may not be a very healthy choice. (I’m no Dr. Oz, but I would at least like to start my meal with an uncontaminated fillet of fresh fish.) I have in the past written about the dangers involved in eating fish that come from China, but it seems that there is a threat much closer to home.
In any case, it is well known that a fish that fights for its food, is a higher quality fish. The meat is firmer because the fish doesn’t wait around like a coach potato waits for its next bag ‘o chips. Unlike the farm-grown fish, which sit on the bottom while waiting to be fed.
Farm-grown fish are fed by cannons that shoot pellets of food at them daily.
Different types of ailments have been showing up in products at these fish farms around the world and require the use of chemicals and antibiotics in the food in an effort to control said ailments. It has long been said that, “You are a product of your environment,” and in this case it is certainly true. (Keep in mind I have never eaten sushi; but when was the last time you heard of farm grown Spicy Tuna Rolls?)
What’s the difference?
Furthermore, when any mammal or fish is in a densely populated space, it can lead to a significant source of disease. Scientists have recently discovered sea lice to be a considerable problem at fish farms worldwide.
I have relatives who reside in Emerald Isle, North Carolina and can testify that the best shrimp I ever ate was product we purchased roadside near where a trawler had just docked. There is no comparison when taste is the subject. I have yet to meet anyone who has eaten a really fresh caught piece of fish that thinks a farm raised product tastes better. Now there is a reason to continue to pursue the “Feast to the East.”
Please take the time to read the articles that I have highlighted so that you will not be fooled into thinking that you are saving the planet by eating farm raised, fresh Tilapia!!! Remember: HOOK ‘EM AND HACK ‘EM – for a healthier life style.
Sincerely,
Bob Hackem
PS — checkout the hookemandhackem.com home page for the new black sea bass t-shirts.
