With a new year full of new possibilities ahead, many people are thinking of ways to make this year a better one. Fatty foods, smoking, lack of exercise and similar issues are often the first to be addressed. Then the mind turns to the inner self, concentrating on things that will feed the soul, like helping others or the environment.
 
By starting a regimen of eating sustainable fish you can begin 2010 by doing something for your body and for your soul. Not only is eating fish a healthy alternative as it is high in protein, low in fat and an excellent source of Omega 3 fatty acids, but by choosing a fish which comes from a sustainable source, you are also playing a part in helping your environment and safeguarding the oceans for the future.
 
While supermarkets and celebrity chefs in the US and Europe are starting to listen to consumers’ concerns by no longer selling fish that are endangered or threatened, Cayman residents can also make a difference. With a large influx of international visitors and residents, we have the opportunity to prove that the people and businesses of the Cayman Islands are progressive and environmentally-minded.
 
If you are considering making a conscious change to what you eat, start by avoiding grouper, red snapper, Chilean sea bass, bluefin tuna and eel.
 
These are either over-fished or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment, at least at the moment.

Better choices include tilapia, rainbow trout, farmed clams, mussels and oysters, king or Spanish mackerel and albacore tuna.
 
These species are more abundant and are well managed.
 
If you are not sure whether the fish you are eating is sustainable, ask restaurant staff. Some restaurants in Cayman make a point of listing these choices on their menu.   WH

For more information on this and other seafood options visit nationaltrust.org.ky/seasense.html or contact Tavia Pretorius at tavia3@gmail.com or Andrea Lee at scubalee@hotmail.com.