February 5, 2020 — The following was released by the Marine Stewardship Council:

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a nonprofit with the sole mission to make sure the wild seafood you love is around forever, is encouraging consumers to eat more seafood during February Heart Health Month and all year long. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating two, 3.5 ounce servings of seafood each week; however, USDA reports show a majority of Americans don’t meet the recommendation for fish and shellfish consumption.

The AHA and USDA recommendations are based on heart-health benefits shown from consuming one to two servings of omega-3 rich seafood per week, or about 250-500 mg of omega-3s a day, according to nonprofit organization and MSC partner Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP). One study[1] found that eating one to two servings of fatty fish a week reduces the risk of dying from heart disease by 36%.

“Fish and shellfish are very important parts of a heart-healthy diet,” said SNP’s Valerie Agyeman, a registered dietitian. “Seafood is a major source of healthy omega-3 fats and are also rich in nutrients such as vitamin D and selenium, high in protein, and low in saturated fat. There is strong evidence that eating fish or taking fish oil is good for the heart and blood vessels.”

According to a 2018 GlobeScan study commissioned by MSC, 70% of Americans believe supermarkets’ and brands’ claims about sustainability should be clearly labeled by an independent organization. As the first global science-based seafood certification program to be recognized for rigor and credibility by the United Nations, the MSC blue fish label is meeting increasing consumer demand for independent verification of sustainability claims by brands. The MSC works with the fishing industry, scientists, and conservation groups to create the world’s leading standard for sustainable seafood ensuring seafood is fished from stocks with healthy populations; caught with minimal impact on the marine environment; and in an area with effective, responsive, and responsible management.

“Eating seafood is integral to our heart health, and choosing sustainable seafood is integral to the ocean’s health,“ said Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian in New York City. “For us, seafood provides essential nutrients – including omega-3 fatty acids needed for heart, brain and eye health. For the oceans, choosing sustainable seafood – such as wild-caught fish labeled with the MSC blue fish – means choosing seafood that’s good for you and for the oceans, too.”

Throughout Heart Health Month, the MSC will offer recipe inspiration on its blog and on social channels – @MSCBlueFish on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Seafood dishes made with MSC certified fish are good for the entire family – from approachable, easy meals the entire family will love to sustainably-sourced pet food for your furry family members – continuing the conversation around seafood that’s good for you and good for the ocean.

“There are more than 3,000 products with the MSC blue fish label in U.S. stores,” said Brian Perkins, regional director for the Americas at the MSC Marine Stewardship Council. “Whether recipes call for frozen, canned or fresh fish, taking the simple step to look for the MSC blue fish label before you buy helps to protect oceans from overfishing, supports fishermen and fishing communities, and promotes traceability from ocean to dish.”