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Turbot, Greenland
(U.S., Canadian Pacific, Wild-caught)
Rating:
Greenland turbot is a "Good Alternative" to flatfish in the Atlantic Ocean, where historical overfishing has reduced populations.
Market Names:
Greenland Halibut, Hirame
Consumer Notes:
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.
Health Alert:
Environmental Defense Fund has issued a health advisory for Greenland turbot due to elevated levels of mercury.
Summary:
Although Greenland turbot 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, Greenland turbot is a "Good Alternative" to their overfished counterparts in the Atlantic.
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