A Canadian coalition of environmental groups has given catfish and pollock the thumbs up as responsible menu selections while cautioning against monkfish and wild caviar.

Sustainable Seafood Canada on Wednesday kicked off a nationwide campaign urging consumers to choose their seafood wisely in an effort to keep the oceans healthy and stocked with fish. Members of the coalition include the Living Oceans Society, the David Suzuki Foundation, and the Ecological Action Centre.

"Informed consumers and businesses can now make better choices and encourage the fishing industry to provide seafood that comes from environmentally responsible fisheries and aquaculture operations," Bill Wareham, director for marine conservation for the David Suzuki Foundation, said in a release.

"By choosing sustainable seafood, people can also send a message to governments that they want our oceans managed properly," Wareham said.

On their website, the coalition rates seafood based on wild stock levels, risk of disease and parasites, pollution and habitat concerns, and fishery management. Wallet cards are also available, offering information on toxin levels, farming practices and conservation concerns.
   
"Chefs and consumers can use the wallet card to make sustainable choices at the store or when menu planning," said Mark Butler, marine coordinator for the Ecology Action Centre, in a release.

"Retailers and suppliers can find out where their fish comes from and how it is caught. The fishing industry gets an independent assessment of which fisheries are sustainable and should be supported and which ones must improve."

The coalition noted that on a global level, fisheries are poorly managed and fish stocks have been exploited and depleted.

Last January, the Vancouver Aquarium launched a similar Ocean Wise program to help educate consumers about ocean-friendly options. The aquarium assessed participating restaurants' menus and stamped certain menu selections with a seal of approval.