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Seafood Watch - Seafood Guide

Imitation Crab

SEAFOOD	RATING	MARKET NAMES	WHERE CAUGHT	HOW CAUGHT
Imitation Crab		Alaska pollock, Surimi, Imitation lobster, Kanikama	Alaska	Wild-caught
Imitation Crab		Surimi, Imitation Lobster, Kanikama	Except Alaska	Wild-caught

Imitation Crab

Check the label when buying imitation crab to see if it was made from Alaska pollock — a "Best Choice."

Consumer Note

Imitation crab

- a minced fish paste - is also called surimi or kanikama when prepared for sushi.

Summary

Approximately half of the surimi produced worldwide is made from Alaska pollock

(also known as walleye pollock or snow cod). Alaska pollock is certified as sustainable

to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and is a "Best Choice" because it is a well managed, environmentally responsible fishery.

Imitation crab or surimi made from non-Alaska pollock is a more complicated story. Pollock is mixed with other kinds of fish that may not be caught using environmentally responsible fishing methods. These other fish include sardine, mackerel, barracuda, striped mullet, threadfin bream, Atka mackerel, hoki, blue whiting, Pacific whiting and cod. When specific information is unavailable for surimi made with fish other than pollock, this product is ranked as a “Good Alternative.”

Scientific Reports About Our Ratings

Alaska Pollock (Walleye Pollock) Seafood Watch Report

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How fish are caught or farmed makes a difference.

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