Dr Oz: Trash Fish & Under Loved Fish Map, Guide & Monkfish Recipe

Dr Oz: Under-Loved Fish, Trash Fish & Bi-Catch Fish

In another Food Truth investigation, Dr Oz took a closer look at what’s called “Trash Fish.” While the name doesn’t exactly sound appetizing, Dr Oz claims it’s the fish we should be eating but likely aren’t. Food journalist, Larry Olmstead, claims that Trash Fish are delicious, nutritious, and cost-effective. Larry explained that there are hundreds of species of fish commercially available in the United States, yet we focus only on a few. More than half of the seafood we eat in our country is just three species: salmon, shrimp, and tuna. Even worse than that, over 90% of the fish that we eat comes from the top ten most popular species.  This is shocking, considering that we have hundreds of species to pick from.

What Is Trash Fish?

So why are they called trash fish? When fishing nets are pulled along the ocean floor, there are hundreds of species of fish caught in that net along with the shrimp and other seafood. In the industry, those fish are called “by-catch.” Because there’s not a big market for the other fish, they’re thrown overboard or in the trash. For every pound of shrimp that’s caught, there’s six pounds of by-catch.

Dr Oz: Spanish Mackerel & Porgy Fish

Fortunately, chefs from 4-star restaurants across the country have begun using “trash fish” on their menus, including Chef Kerry Heffernan. Some examples of “trash fish” include Spanish mackerel or porgy. Dr Oz joked that we should start calling them “under-loved” fish instead of “trash fish.”

Dr Oz: Cape Shark & Sea Urchin

Some of those under-loved fish that you may start to see more on the menu include sea urchin, which is highly regarded and is a $100 million industry in Japan (it is big in sushi!). There’s also dogfish which is being called Cape Shark and is used to make flavorful fish and chips or is great in fish tacos.

Dr Oz: Squid As Shrimp Replacement

You can also enjoy other under-loved seafood instead of some of the more popular fish. For example, instead of shrimp, try squid. It’s cheaper, widely available, sustainable, and delicious. Chef Kerry Heffernan suggested trying squid sautéed with fresh vegetables instead of fried or grilled like you typically see it.  You can also cook squid as calamari or how he served it on the show which was squid sautéed in chili, lime and garlic.

Dr Oz: Trout As Salmon Replacement

Then, instead of salmon, try trout. It’s flaky, delicious, and loaded with omega-3’s like salmon, all for a lower price.

Dr Oz: Smoked Whitefish As Tuna Replacement

Lastly, instead of canned tuna, try smoked whitefish. You can use it the same way for cheaper and in some cases, for even more flavor.  It was served with dill and onions on a sandwich during the Dr. Oz show!

Dr Oz: Under-Loved Fish Map

Larry then explained that a lot of the seafood they’re discussing are regional, but check seafood retailers and supermarkets across the country to see what you can find. Dr Oz displayed a map to help viewers learn what under-loved fish is likely available in certain areas. For example, on the West coast, albacore tuna, sand dabs, sardines, farmed sturgeon and pacific rockfish are available, while most of the middle / interior states in America will see more farmed barramundi, red drum, and catfish. If you head toward the south-east US, you’ll see triggerfish, wreckfish, and lionfish, while you will typically find in Louisiana only wild carp. Then the north-east coast of the US will have more bluefish, blue catfish, porky, or monkfish, and states like Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania will see lake trout and wild yellow perch.

Seafood Watch Consumer Guide from Monterrey Bay Aquarium

Dr. Oz said that you can find more fantastic information on Trash Fish by reading the Seafood Watch Consumer Guide from the Monterrey Bay Aquarium.  Another great source comes from Larry Olmstead, the author of “Real Food Fake Food.”

What less-popular fish have you noticed becoming more available in your area?