That perfectly seared fillet may look like the healthiest choice on the menu, but not all seafood is created equal. Behind an elegant presentation can hide higher mercury levels, unsustainable fishing practices, environmental damage, or questionable farming conditions. While fish remains an excellent source of protein and omega-3 fats, making informed choices is just as important as including seafood in your diet.

Ten fish that often raise concerns are bluefin tuna, swordfish, orange roughy, Chilean sea bass, king mackerel, shark, tilefish, imported farmed shrimp, certain farmed Atlantic salmon, and some imported tilapia or catfish. Large, long-lived predatory species tend to accumulate more mercury over time. Some imported farmed options may also come from operations with uneven environmental, animal-welfare, or labor standards. These issues are not universal, but they highlight why knowing the source matters more than appearance alone.