You won't be surprised that we're saying this, but when it comes to eating sustainably, there’s one protein that stands above the rest: wild seafood. With a significantly lower carbon footprint than beef, pork, or even chicken, seafood — especially from places like Alaska — is a smart and sustainable choice for people looking to reduce their environmental impact.
At Premier Catch, we’re proud to offer wild Alaska seafood that’s not only delicious and nutrient-rich but also part of a truly climate-friendly diet. Let's dive into it.
Wild Seafood Has the Lowest Carbon Footprint of Any Complete Protein
A complete protein contains all nine essential amino acids our bodies need. Most people associate this with animal proteins like beef or chicken — but wild seafood offers the same benefits, with far fewer emissions.
According to a growing body of research, seafood has a lower carbon footprint than any other complete protein. Here’s why:
1. Wild Seafood Doesn’t Require Land or Freshwater
Unlike land-based agriculture, wild-caught seafood doesn’t rely on deforestation, irrigation, or extensive feed production. Wild fish and shellfish grow naturally in the ocean, requiring no farmland or freshwater inputs. This drastically reduces their environmental impact.
2. No Methane Emissions
Ruminant animals like cows and sheep produce methane, a potent greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change. Wild seafood, on the other hand, produces no methane. This alone gives it a major advantage over land-based protein sources.
3. Naturally Efficient Feed Conversion
Wild-caught fish feed themselves in their natural ecosystems — which means there’s no feed required at all. This eliminates the emissions associated with growing and transporting animal feed.
4. Low Fuel Use per Calorie in Well-Managed Fisheries
Certain fisheries, particularly in Alaska, are incredibly efficient. Fishing methods like pot fishing (black cod, spot prawns and crab), long lining (halibut), and trolling (salmon) use relatively little fuel compared to the calories and nutrients they produce. Alaska’s fisheries are also strictly regulated for sustainability, which helps limit overfishing and protects marine ecosystems.
Carbon Emissions: A Protein Comparison
Here’s a snapshot of how wild seafood compares to other proteins in terms of carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions per kilogram of protein:
-
Beef: 50–60 kg CO₂
-
Lamb: 20–25 kg CO₂
-
Pork: 7 kg CO₂
-
Chicken: 6 kg CO₂
-
Wild-caught seafood: 1–5 kg CO₂ (depending on species and fishing method)
That’s a big difference — and a big opportunity for climate-conscious consumers.
Why Wild Alaska Seafood Is a Smart Choice
At Premier Catch, we exclusively source from sustainable U.S. fisheries, including some of the most respected and well-managed in the world — like those in Alaska. The Alaska Constitution mandates that all natural resources, including fish, be managed on the sustained yield principle — ensuring long-term health and abundance.
By choosing wild Alaska seafood, you are:
-
Reducing your carbon footprint
-
Supporting science-backed, responsible fishing practices
-
Promoting ocean health and biodiversity
-
Helping coastal communities that rely on sustainable seafood
Shop Climate-Friendly, Wild-Caught Seafood
We believe in making it easy for you to eat well and feel good about your choices. Explore our full line of wild Alaska seafood, including sockeye salmon, halibut, spot prawns, sablefish, and more — all flash frozen at peak freshness and shipped directly to your door.
Eating sustainably doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or nutrition. With wild seafood, it means making a delicious choice that’s better for the planet.
Sources:
Photo Credit: Alaska Seafood Marketing
