Are wild or farmed fish better?

It’s a question we get a lot, but it’s not one we find very useful!

There are many well managed wild fish stocks, and lots that aren’t sustainable or safe. Just like there are many well-run fish farms, and plenty that aren’t!

Buying wild fish is complicated. There’s lots you don’t know, like contaminants in the water, if you’re impacting the wild population, how much bycatch is wasted, and fraudulent labelling.

Then buying farmed fish is a whole different can of worms. You need to worry about where the fish is raised, how it was treated, and if it’s hurting the surrounding ecosystem.

This is why we recommend looking for sustainability certifications or recommendations for any fish you purchase. Some of the most reputable and relevant ones in Ontario are Best Aquaculture Practices, Ocean Wise, Marine Stewardship Council, and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

These are voluntary, third party groups that often send auditors to review data on environment impacts, fish welfare, and how you treat your staff.

We obsess over the sustainability of Springhills fish because it’s the right thing to do, and it also results in a better tasting, fresher fish!

And another wild fact for you: many “wild” fish actually start their lives at fish farms. Globally 35 – 150 billion young fish are raised in hatcheries to be released into the wild every year — including 10+ million in Ontario!