In an era where environmental concerns increasingly influence our food choices, the rising levels of contaminants in seafood have become a significant worry for consumers worldwide. Microplastics—tiny fragments less than 5mm in size—along with pollutants like heavy metals and chemicals, have infiltrated our oceans, making their way into the marine food chain and, ultimately, onto our plates. A study published in Environmental Science & Technology estimates that the average person consumes over 50,000 microplastic particles annually through food and beverages¹. As awareness grows about the potential risks associated with consuming these contaminants, seafood lovers are seeking alternatives that are both sustainably produced and carefully managed. Enter The Kingfish Company’s Yellowtail, a premium fish farmed using innovative Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) that offer a more controlled and eco-friendly option.

The Contaminant Dilemma in Seafood

Pollutants in marine environments originate from various sources, including industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and plastic pollution. Microplastics, heavy metals like mercury, and other harmful substances are pervasive in the oceans, ingested by fish and other sea creatures. The World Health Organization has highlighted concerns about microplastics in drinking water and the potential health impacts². Studies have shown that these contaminants can accumulate in the tissues of marine life, raising questions about their impact when these creatures are consumed.

Traditional fishing and some aquaculture practices cannot fully prevent fish from ingesting contaminants due to the open nature of the oceans and coastal waters. Research published in Scientific Reports found microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish from some of the deepest parts of the ocean³. This reality has prompted both consumers and producers to search for methods that can mitigate this contamination.

RAS Farming: A Controlled Approach

The Kingfish Company has embraced Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) to cultivate their Yellowtail fish, setting a new standard in sustainable aquaculture. RAS farming involves raising fish in land-based facilities where water quality and environmental conditions are meticulously controlled. This closed-loop system filters and recycles water, significantly reducing the need for large water inputs and minimizing exposure to external pollutants, including microplastics and other contaminants.

By operating in a contained environment, The Kingfish Company can monitor and manage every aspect of the fish’s habitat. This control reduces the Yellowtail’s exposure to the pollutants common in open-sea fishing and traditional aquaculture. While no system can entirely eliminate the presence of contaminants, RAS farming allows for stringent oversight and management strategies to keep contaminant levels as low as possible. Moreover, RAS farming reduces the risk of disease and eliminates the need for antibiotics. This aligns with responsible aquaculture practices. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), RAS can reduce water usage by up to 99% compared to traditional aquaculture systems⁴.

Sustainability at the Forefront

Beyond addressing contaminant concerns, The Kingfish Company’s RAS farming practices contribute to broader environmental sustainability. The system minimizes water usage and waste, reducing the environmental footprint compared to conventional aquaculture. Additionally, by farming Yellowtail locally, the company cuts down on transportation emissions associated with importing seafood, delivering fresher products to the market.

The company is also committed to responsible feed practices, ensuring that the diet provided to the Yellowtail is both nutritious and sustainably sourced. This approach supports the well-being of marine ecosystems by reducing reliance on wild-caught feed ingredients.

A Choice for the Conscientious Consumer

Choosing The Kingfish Company’s Yellowtail means opting for a high-quality fish that aligns with environmental values. The firm, succulent flesh of the Yellowtail is appreciated by chefs and seafood enthusiasts alike for its versatility in various culinary applications. Knowing that this fish is raised in a controlled environment with measures to minimize exposure to contaminants provides an additional consideration for consumers mindful of sustainable practices.

Making Informed Seafood Choices

As the issue of contaminants in seafood continues to garner attention, making informed choices becomes ever more critical. The Kingfish Company stands at the forefront of offering options that address these modern challenges. By leveraging advanced RAS farming technology, they provide a product that is sustainably produced with a focus on environmental responsibility.

In a world where our consumption habits have far-reaching impacts on the planet, selecting seafood like The Kingfish Company’s Yellowtail is a step towards a more sustainable future. It’s a choice that supports innovative farming practices, promotes environmental stewardship, and ensures that what ends up on our plates is both delicious and responsibly sourced.

Discover the difference that conscious aquaculture can make. Choose The Kingfish Company’s Yellowtail for a cleaner, greener seafood experience.

References

¹ Cox, K. D., Covernton, G. A., Davies, H. L., Dower, J. F., Juanes, F., & Dudas, S. E. (2019). Human Consumption of Microplastics. Environmental Science & Technology, 53(12), 7068–7074. doi:10.1021/acs.est.9b01517

² World Health Organization. (2019). Microplastics in Drinking Water. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241516198

³ Choy, C. A., Robison, B. H., Gagne, T. O., Erwin, B., Firl, E., Halden, R. U., … & Van Houtan, K. S. (2019). The vertical distribution and biological transport of marine microplastics across the epipelagic and mesopelagic water column. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 7843. doi:10.1038/s41598-019-44117-2

⁴ Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2015). Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) – An Option for Sustainable Fish Production in the EU. Retrieved from http://www.fao.org/3/a-bc014e.pdf