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Common name - Halibut, Atlantic
Scientific name - Hippoglossus hippoglossus
Average rating
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Visit Fishonline for the full range of options available for this species.
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 widely farmed, although in small quantities compared to other species. Unlike salmon and cod, halibut can be farmed in closed tanks as well as in open pens. Choose halibut farmed in closed, shore based production systems such as those used in Scotland, as environmental impacts of production are mitigated. Halibut do have a large dependency on fish to form the majority of their diet, and the fish required to make their feed cannot be guaranteed to come from a sustainable supply. Look for organic farmed fish that can offer this assurance where available. Scottish production is independently addressing this feed concern, making it a good choice.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.