Farm-raised catfish from the United States have been a southern staple for generations and are growing in popularity in regions outside of the South as a nutritious and affordable fish. US farm-raised catfish have a low environmental impact and were recently rated as Super Green by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, meaning US catfish is good for the environment and your health. This is great, as it is also the largest aquaculture sector in the nation and is a major contributor to the rural economies in Mississippi, Alabama, and Arkansas.

Catfish have a mild, neutral-flavored flesh, making it a versatile white fish that can be prepared in many different ways. These characteristics, however, make it easily substitutable with other fish species, such as Pangasius and tilapia, which are predominately imported. According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch, a lot of imported Pangasius species and tilapia are unsustainable and pose health concerns, and thus it is important to know what to buy and what to avoid.

Look at the Label

Pangasius is a genus of catfish species that is farmed primarily in Vietnam and imported into the US. Pangasius is commonly called basa, tra, swai, or sutchi catfish. Pangasius imports have increased substantially over the last two decades. Imported Pangasius currently make up about 70 percent of the US market for catfish. Tilapia, another common substitute for US catfish, is also imported in significant quantities from China. Federal law prohibits Pangasius species from being labeled as catfish in the US. This has led to much of the imported Pangasius being sold at restaurants as unidentified whitefish (e.g., as fish fingers, or fish and chips), and thus consumers may not know what they are eating or where it came from. So, how can consumers make more informed purchasing decisions? Consumers can consider the following options:

• Look for the U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish seal.
• Ask before you buy. You have the right to know what you’re eating and where it came from.
• Use reputable seafood guides such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.
• Shop at reputable stores and restaurants. Need some help? Try a restaurant on The Catfish Trail or find a retailer using the Sweet Grown Alabama locator.