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Seafood Watch - Seafood Guide

Opah

SEAFOOD	RATING	MARKET NAMES	WHERE CAUGHT	HOW CAUGHT
Opah		Moonfish	Hawaii	Longline
Opah		Moonfish	Imported	Longline

Opah/Moonfish

Opah is not targeted by any major commercial fishery, but is caught accidentally in longline fisheries that target tuna, mahi mahi and other valuable open ocean fishes.

Consumer Note

Opah, also referred to as moonfish, is sold both fresh and frozen and can also be found prepared as sashimi.

Health Alert

Environmental Defense Fund has issued a consumption advisory for opah due to high levels of mercury.

Summary

There is considerable concern about the amount and type of accidental bycatch

from longlining

. Longline fisheries kill sea turtles, seabirds, protected and endangered marine mammals, as well as other vulnerable fishes like sharks and rays. Managers and fishermen in the U.S. fleet have made great strides in reducing interactions in recent years through changes in regulations and modifications to longline fishing gear.

International longline fishing fleets, however, may not adopt such precautionary measures. For this reason, consumers should "Avoid" imported opah, while opah caught by U.S. fisheries is a "Good Alternative."

Scientific Reports About Our Ratings

Hawaiian Opah Seafood Watch Report

Longlining Fact Card

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