App Puts Sustainable Seafood on the Map

That little place on 2nd Street has sustainable sushi on the menu, but the corner restaurant on 6th doesn’t. Go for the pole-caught albacore tuna from British Columbia, but not the imported swordfish, which might contain contaminants including metals, dioxins, and pesticides. Remember: Less than 2% of imported seafood is inspected. And, please, avoid the monkfish.

Don’t worry, you shouldn’t be taking notes. Since its debut in 2009, the Seafood Watch iPhone app has helped 325,000 people find a sustainable menu with the touch of a finger. This week, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is introducing a new version of the app with a bonus feature — Project Fishmap — to encourage user participation. “Anyone who finds sustainable seafood can share their discoveries,” says outreach manager Sheila Bowman. “Each time they do, they’re helping others make better seafood choices.” Contributors earn badges as they add to the nationwide map. (Before dismissing the badges as child's play, consider that "Sushi Master" does have a regal ring to it.)

Apple devotees can download the free app here. Don’t have an iPhone or iPod touch? You can still access the Seafood Watch pocket guide and check out other online fish-finding resources, such as Food and Water Watch's Smart Seafood Guide.

--Natalya Stanko