The picture on the right is a Patagonian Toothfish. If you order “Chilean Seabass” in a restaurant, which do you think you are getting? Of course, you’re getting the Toothfish. Many environmental agencies have issued warnings about eating this fish. Most “Chilean Seabass” in the U.S. market come from boats that are fishing illegally and using unmodified bottom longlines, drowning thousands of seabirds each year, most notably the endangered albatross.

The Environmental Defense Fund has issued a health advisory for “Chilean Seabass” due to high levels of mercury.

Patagonian Toothfish are slow-growing fish that reproduce late in life. They are naturally vulnerable to overfishing. A small fishery exists that has made improvements to fishing gear and adopted a management plan to avoid overfishing. That plan has been certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). However, only a small portion of “Chilean Seabass” available in the US is so certified. Any store or restaurant that takes the trouble to sell only MSC certified products will gladly show evidence of their care and concern.

Perhaps those who don’t give a damn about their own health, or that of the environment, can take comfort in the fact that these fish will soon be fished out and not available any longer.

The Monterey Aquarium recommends Pacific Halibut, Sablefish (black cod) and Mahi Mahi as your best alternative.