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

Common name - Halibut, Pacific

Scientific name - Hippoglossus stenolepis

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

Stocks are managed sustainably by the International Pacific Halibut Commission who apply strict harvesting conditions. Longline fisheries for Pacific halibut in the waters of Alaska, Washington, Oregon and British Columbia have been certified by the MSC as environmentally sustainable. These are the best choice for the fishery.

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.