Why eat fish?

Taste aside, there are numerous health benefits to eating seafood, both for your brain and body.

Still, many Canadians remain confused or frustrated by varying health claims or unclear messages. They’re concerned about mercury, microplastics and genetically modified foods. (A Health Canada assessment concluded that the AquAdvantage GMO salmon is safe for consumption.)

It’s not surprising that many consumers are confused. The seafood industry is diverse and very different than any other meat industry in Canada.

For the most part, Canadians only eat one species of chicken, cow and pig. But an average grocery store sells a myriad of different species of fish and shellfish. Seafood is also a truly global commodity.

While most chicken and beef in North American supermarkets comes from Canada and the United States, fish species are imported from around the world — and come from very different growing conditions.