Red List Alternatives

When it comes to making responsible sourcing decisions we encourage you to follow our rating system. However, some popular seafood choices receive a RED or AVOID rating from Seafood Watch and other environmental groups. Because of customer demand we do carry some RED listed species although we work very hard to select the best from what is offered. We put effort into visiting our suppliers to understand how they are handling serious sustainability questions and our rating system is designed to be dynamic; reflecting improvements as individual farmers, fishermen and other suppliers make changes in their practices.

Please use this list of suggested substitutes to help you make more responsible choices. As always, your Santa Monica Seafood Representative is your best guide, don’t hesitate to ask them for assistance.

Chilean Sea Bass

Although we do carry a source of Chilean Sea Bass that is certified by the MSC, you still may want to choose an alternative. Black cod, with its rich and succulent flesh is one of your best substitutes for Chilean Sea Bass. Black cod is rated GREEN and is also certified by the MSC.

Pasteurized wild crab meat (imported), all kinds

If you’re looking for a sustainable (and delicious) crab meat, we strongly recommend you go with Dungeness crab. Strong populations, careful harvesting methods and long-term planning for sustainability make Dungeness a GREEN choice. We offer live crabs, whole, cooked frozen crabs, and Dungeness meat.

Florida stone crab claws are also rated GREEN. We carry these tasty treats fresh in season (OCT 15 – MAY 15) and frozen while the season is closed. A variety of sizes all available. Stone crab claws come cooked.

There are several YELLOW options available as well, including Alaskan king crab, Jonah crab, snow crab and blue crab. 

Eastern Halibut

We rarely see this fish offered. We do however, stock plenty of fresh wild Alaskan halibut (rated GREEN and MSC CERTIFIED) when the season is open (FEB –NOV) and frozen and refreshed product when the season is closed.

Hamachi

Check out Kona Kampachi, which is a farm-raised fish very similar to hamachi and rated GREEN. We also often offer locally harvested wild yellowtail, which can also make a great substitute. Some chefs recommend black cod due to its high oil content - we carry fresh and frozen black cod (rated GREEN and MSC Certified). Hiramasa could also be an excellent alternative.

Monkfish

Monkfish is a delicious rich and uniquely textured fish; it’s tough to find a perfect substitute. Some recommend lobster meat others suggest halibut or catfish. We carry all three of those options in a variety of styles – your Santa Monica Seafood representative can help you find the perfect option.

Opah

It’s difficult to find an exact substitute for opah, it’s a rather unique fish, but if you want to serve a fish that comes from Hawaii, we recommend ono, or perhaps farm raised Kona Kampachi. These fish aren’t necessarily similar in flavor or texture to opah, but they do work well in the same types of menu applications.

Rockfish (Pacific Red Snapper) 

You can swap out a number of mild fish that cook up flaky for rockfish – try farmed raised tilapia, farmed striped bass or tarahiki.

Skate wings

Skate are another unique fish that it’s tough to find an exact substitute for. Try tilapia or perhaps Chesapeake Ray as an alternative.

Salmon, farm raised (fresh, frozen or smoked)

Our first recommendation is to substitute wild salmon. We carry, in season, a variety of fresh options from Alaska and Canada. During the off season we offer frozen wild salmon including kings and silvers. We also carry smoked wild salmon in a variety of styles.

We also carry more responsibly farmed salmon options such as Loch Duart’s Scottish salmon. We support Loch Duart’s approach to farming; fallowing, low stocking densities, feed sourcing and other key areas. Check with your Santa Monica Seafood representative or visit Loch Duart’s website for more information.