Halibut, Atlantic | Good Fish Guide | The consumer guide to sustainable seafood

Common name - Halibut, Atlantic

Scientific name - Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Average rating

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Consumer Information

Atlantic halibut, the largest - it can grow up to 2.5m (8ft) long and 1.5m (4ft) wide - and longest lived of all flatfish, is heavily overfished and listed as an endangered species so avoid eating wild-caught fish. However, Atlantic Halibut is now farmed in onshore tanks in Scotland and provides the most sustainable choice. Longline fisheries for Pacific halibut in the US waters of Alaska, Washington and Oregon are certified as environmentally-responsible fisheries by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The third species, Greenland halibut, is also slow growing and vulnerable to exploitation. If you can buy farmed Atlantic halibut or Pacific Halibut, you will find it a very mild and sweet-tasting fish and really versatile think about baking, poaching, frying, grilling or sautéing. But don't leave it hanging around, it'll dry out very quickly as it doesn't contain very much oil.

Summary

Atlantic halibut is heavily overfished, which means it is caught in such high numbers that a sustainable fishery cannot be maintained by the current population size. Assessed by IUCN - World Conservation Union as endangered. Listed as a species of concern by NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) in 2004. No stock assessment or management. Avoid eating wild caught Atlantic halibut. Aquacultured product is increasingly available, and represents the better option for halibut. The main producer countries are Norway, Iceland, UK, Canada and Chile. Closed lifecycle, to avoid wild broodstock collection, remains an industry priority.

Alternatives

(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)

Dab
Flounder
Halibut, Atlantic
Halibut, Pacific
Sole, Dover sole, Common sole
Sole, Lemon
Turbot

Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.