Signature of Sustainability Seafood Program
Frequently Asked Questions                                

Q: What is “sustainable seafood”?

A: Seafood is sustainable when the population of that species of fish is managed in a way that provides for today’s needs without damaging the ability of the species to reproduce and be available for future generations, AND that the seafood is caught or farmed in a manner that has minimal environmental impact on the surrounding ecosystem.

Q: How is a seafood product “sustainably caught”?

A: Seafood that is sustainably caught is caught or farmed in a manner that has the least amount of environmental impact on the surrounding ecosystem. There is minimal amount of bycatch, such as dolphins, seabirds, and turtles, and the fishing gear does not destroy the surrounding habitat.

Q: Are all seafood items on Holland America Line ships sustainable?

A: Holland America Line in partnership with Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) has evaluated all of the seafood items on the ship’s menus, both passenger and crew. Holland America Line has made a commitment to not have any items from the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program’s “Avoid” list. MCBI has a gone a step further and evaluated all onboard seafood to determine if the item has been harvested in a sustainable manner.

Q: Are Holland America Line seafood choices evaluated regarding potential contaminants in the seafood such as mercury or PCB’s?

A: Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of mercury. For most people, the risk from mercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet, some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. The risks from mercury in fish and shellfish depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the levels of mercury in the fish and shellfish. Therefore, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are advising women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children to avoid some types of fish and eat fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.

By following these 2 recommendations for selecting and eating fish or shellfish, women and young children will receive the benefits of eating fish and shellfish and be confident that they have reduced their exposure to the harmful effects of mercury.

1. Do not eat Shark, Swordfish, King Mackerel, or Tilefish because they contain high levels of mercury. You fill find none of these items on our menu.
2. Eat up to 12 ounces (2 average meals) a week of a variety of fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury.
   o Five of the most commonly eaten fish that are low in mercury are shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish.
   o Another commonly eaten fish, albacore ("white") tuna has more mercury than canned light tuna. So, when choosing your two meals of fish and shellfish, you may eat up to 6 ounces (one average meal) of albacore tuna per week.

All seafood items on Holland America Line menus that are evaluated for their sustainability, not their potential for contaminants. The vast majority of seafood is safe for consumption.

For more information on sustainability and contaminants, visit www.edf.org/seafood.

Q: Why is Holland America Line moving toward sustainable seafood?

A: Holland America Line is committed to healthy oceans, for now and for future generations to use and enjoy.

Q: Who is MCBI?

A: Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is a nonprofit environmental advocacy organization working to save the oceans. MCBI is based outside of Seattle in Bellevue, WA and has offices in Wahsington DC and California. To learn more about MCBI, visit MCBI.org

Q: When did this program start?

A: The partnership between Holland America Line and Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) is relatively new and started in the spring of 2010. This is the first cruise season Holland America Line has changed their menus to serve more sustainable seafood.

Q: Is Holland America serving sustainable seafood on all of their lines?

A: Holland America Line has started our sustainable seafood program by making the seafood we serve on our Alaska lines more sustainable. We plan on rolling out sustainable seafood menus in the Caribbean and Europe later this year and work toward making more sustainable seafood choices on all of our lines over the next few years.

Q: Where can I get more information?

A: More information on our sustainable seafood program and the partnership between Holland America Line and Marine Conservation Biology Institute (MCBI) can be found on our website.