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Seafood Watch - Seafood Guide

Flounder

SEAFOOD	RATING	MARKET NAMES	WHERE CAUGHT	HOW CAUGHT
Flounder		Sole, Flounder, Sanddab	U.S. Pacific	Wild-caught
Flounder		Flounder, Fluke, Sole, Hirame	Atlantic	Wild-caught

Pacific Flatfish

Pacific flatfish such as sole, flounder and halibut are a "Good Alternative" to those from the Atlantic, where historical overfishing has reduced populations.

Consumer Note

Over 13 species of flatfish

are regularly caught in the Pacific. Common market names include sole, sanddab, turbot, plaice, fluke, flounder

and halibut. Pacific flatfish, like their Atlantic cousins, are known as hirame when prepared for sushi.

Summary

Although Pacific flatfish populations are not considered to be depleted, there are ongoing concerns about bycatch

and habitat impacts from bottom trawling. This method of catch impacts the seafloor, although bottom trawling on sandy or muddy seafloor (where flatfish often live) is less of a concern than trawling over rocky or reef

habitats. Still, Pacific flatfish are a “Good Alternative” to their overfished

counterparts in the Atlantic.

Scientific Reports About Our Ratings

Pacific Flatfish Seafood Watch Report

Trawling Fact Card

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