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Sole

(Wild-caught from U.S. Pacific)

Rating:
Pacific flatfish such as sole, flounder and halibut are "Good Alternatives."

A portion of the Alaska plaice, arrowtooth flounder, yellowfin sole, flathead sole, rex sole and rock sole fisheries are certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) .

Market Names:
Dover Sole, Flounder, Petrale Sole, Sanddab, Hirame

Consumer Notes:
Over 13 species of flatfish are regularly caught in the Pacific. Common market names include fluke, flounder, halibut, plaice, sanddab, sole and turbot. Pacific flatfish, like their Atlantic counterparts, 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.

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