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
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