Dragonfly Restaurants “Our Table” Blog Post: Line Caught vs. Farm Raised

Posted on: 11.06.2017

Wild line caught grilled jack.

Grilled Jackfish at Dragonfly Orlando. Photo: Jeffrey A. McDonald

HEALTH BENEFITS OF A “FISHY” DIET

With summer in full swing, an amazing source of lean, natural protein to help keep you active and healthy is fish! Fish is filled with nutritional benefits and loaded with flavor and taste! Key nutrients found in fish (Vitamin D & Omega-3 fatty acids) help lower blood pressure and cholesterol, fight depression, promote brain health, and much more. With so many options to select from while dining out, or at your local market, it is important to know what goes into the fish you’re eating. There are two primary types of fish you can select from: line caught or farm-raised. Both options provide nutritional benefits, but is one better than the other? Let’s find out.

WHY AREN’T ALL FISH LINE CAUGHT?

Wild line caught spanish octopus in the Dragonfly Doral Octopus sunomono salad.

Wild caught Spanish octopus sunomono salad at Dragonfly of Doral, Florida. Photo: Ruben Cabrera

The answer is two-fold, overfishing and cost. Fish farming was to help combat the problem of overfishing, and it has the added benefit of lowering the cost of a catch. Just like farm-raised cows, farm-raised fish often live in small cages or nets submerged in bodies of water. Line caught fish are caught by a fisherman using traditional fishing methods.

Farm-raised Madai, imported from Tsukiji Japan and served at Dragonfly of Doral.

Farm-raised Madain nigiri at Dragonfly Doral.

FARM RAISED OR LINE CAUGHT FISH?

Farm-raised fish tend to contain lower levels of nutrients, and the Omega-3 fatty acids found in these fish aren’t processed by our bodies as efficiently as they are in wild fish. This difference in nutrient levels is due to an often poorer diet, antibiotics used to prevent disease, and a lack of room to physically develop. These factors impact the overall taste of the fish, as well. Fish left to develop in their natural habitat tend to have a leaner cut, do not contain antibiotics and other contaminants, and have a natural upbringing. When selecting line caught fish it is also important to note the procedures of the fishing company to make sure that they practice safe and ethical fishing policies.

Dragonfly serves a variety of premium, specialty fish with many coming directly from the Tsukiji market in Japan, world-renowned for the superior line-caught fishing practices of its suppliers. Our choice to serve wild, line-caught fish whenever possible to provide our diners with superb quality and maximum nutrition and flavor each time they dine with us!