What goes into a Seafood Watch Rating?

Seafood Watch has a rigorous method for developing its recommendations. Our scientists compile relevant science-based information by researching government reports, journal articles and white papers. They also contact fishery and fish farm experts. After a thorough review of all the available data and information, we apply our sustainability standards to those findings to develop an in-depth Seafood Watch assessment. All of our assessments are reviewed by experts from academia, government and the seafood industry and are available on our website. We base our seafood recommendations on these assessments.

4 Criteria for our Fisheries Standard (wild seafood)

Seafood Watch looks at a completely different suite of criteria when assessing farmed seafood. 

10 criteria for our Aquaculture Standard (farm-raised)

We regularly update our standards with the help of fisheries and aquaculture experts to ensure they incorporate the latest science and understanding of sustainability. They play a critical role in helping us create an assessment of a fishery or aquaculture operation, which in turn shapes our seafood recommendations.

Learn more about our standards.

View our seafood recommendations.