WASHINGTON, DC, August 8, 2007 (ENS) – Seafood consumers who are concerned about the sustainability and quality of seafood, can now turn to a NOAA Fisheries Service website FishWatch for the latest information.

The website, at http://www.fishwatch.noaa.gov, has information on more than 30 of the most popular seafood species, with more species to be added in the near future.

The NOAA Fisheries Service is inviting the public to visit the FishWatch site and provide feedback on the program through the comments section within the next 60 days.

“Consumers are increasingly concerned about the safety, quality, and sustainability of the seafood they eat,” said Bill Hogarth, NOAA Fisheries Service director. “This guide brings accurate fish information available to your seafood market, and it allows consumers to make informed decisions about purchasing seafood.”

For instance, the site gives information about the mercury content in various fishes.

“If you are pregnant, nursing, or thinking about becoming pregnant, it is important that you avoid consuming too much methylmercury. This substance can be found in swordfish, and it can harm an unborn child’s developing nervous system if eaten regularly,” it says in the swordfish section.

The site includes details on fish population strength, life history, conservation status and management.

“Chinook salmon stocks originate in rivers from central California to northwest Alaska,” the site states, adding, “The status of Chinook populations varies, with some populations being healthy and robust while others are at risk of extinction.”

Consumer information as content of fats, protein, niacin, vitamin B12, and selenium is given along with economic information, such as where the seafood comes from and how much money it brings to the economy.