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Seafood Watch - Seafood Guide

Basa

Courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Duane Raver

SEAFOOD	RATING	MARKET NAMES	WHERE CAUGHT	HOW CAUGHT
Basa		Basa, Striped Catfish	Imported	Farmed

Basa

Basa is a species of river catfish farmed extensively in Asia. Catfish farmed in the U.S. is considered a Best Choice," as it’s farmed in a more ecologically responsible manner.

Consumer Note

Imported river catfish

from Asia - such as basa - is commonly sold in the U.S. simply as "catfish." Check country-of-origin labels to be sure you know where your catfish is from.

Summary

Commercial farming of river catfish (basa) in southeast Asia has increased rapidly in recent years. River catfish has a strong potential to be a sustainable aquaculture

species, but there are conservation concerns with the current practice of open cage aquaculture combined with little or no management of these fish farming operations in Asia.

Recipe Alternatives
U.S. farmed catfish

Scientific Reports About Our Ratings

Aquaculture Fact Cards
Imported Catfish (Basa/Swai) Seafood Watch Report

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