We're trying to hold a "green" wedding. One of the fish options is New Zealand seabass. Is this a good option?

Question

I would prefer to offer a fish to our guests that is fished in a sustainable manner. The catering company has provided us with a few options and one is "New Zealand seabass". I can't seem to find any information on this fish on the web or through the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch site. What is New Zealand seabass and is it a "green" alternative (aside from the fact that it is sent from the other side of the world to my plate in San Francisco - more concerned with how it is fished). Thank you.

Answer 1

'New Zealand Sea Bass' is a common or commercial/marketing name for species known as Patagonian Toothfish or Chilean Sea Bass.

The following 2 URLs give detailed information about fishing methods vs the natural habitat and life of this species... from a quick perusal of both websites I'd say 'New Zealand Sea Bass' isn't a good option for your green wedding.

Answer 2

It's a marketing term.  There's no such thing as a zew zealand sea bass

Answer 3

Hey, it's ok, just be like everyone else, and be green when it is convenient, or when it does not cost too much.

I mean really are your guests driving to your wedding? Will there be Air Conditioning and electricity?

Are your gifts wrapped in paper?

Was the cake baked in a gas oven?

Not to even mention the alcohol, that was cooked, processsed and bottled and shipped.

I don't think sea bass is going to have any effect on your carbon footprint.

Answer 4

Aren't there any more local options for food than food that is transported (most likely via jet) from the other side of the world? I mean, you live in San Fransisco, you're in one of the epicenters of good food for the country. There's all sorts of delicious local food all over that area. Why not support some of your local farmers/producers?

But a green wedding sounds awesome. I don't suppose that the ring is made of environmentally sustainable gold and conflict free diamonds?  :)

Answer 5

Nominally, physsar has answered the question, but if you have a few guests flying to the wedding, it isn't green, no matter what you serve.  The carbon footprint of the flights will dwarf the impact of every other decision by 100:1.  Choosing a 'green' fish is tokenism.  Need a car? Put a shares of a fuel-efficient hybrid on your wedding registry.   That will make a significant impact.  I see others have voted Curtis down for saying roughly the same thing, but they have their heads in the sand.