How does the sustainability rating for Panama-sourced farmed marine net-pen Cobia categorize it according to Seafood Watch standards?
It is placed in the Yellow/Good Alternative category.
When assessed using the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch standards, farmed Cobia sourced from marine net-pen operations in Panama receives a classification of Yellow/Good Alternative. This intermediate rating is assigned due to several specific environmental concerns that prevent a higher 'Best Choice' score. Chief among these concerns is the substantial feed dependency, requiring large inputs of wild fish oil, the moderate risk posed by potential escapes interacting genetically with wild stocks, and limited but present data suggesting the use of antibiotics or other treatments. While not the worst rating, it signals that consumers should be aware of the environmental trade-offs associated with this specific source.
