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Yellow perch

Sushi name(s): None
Yellow perch

Yellow perch

At a glance

Eco-rating Mercury Omega-3s
+-Yellow perch (farmed, US)
Best
Moderate

MORE ABOUT YELLOW PERCH

Although found in lakes across the US and Canada, the majority (85%) of yellow perch caught commercially is caught in Lake Erie.
+-Yellow perch (wild, imported)
Worst
Moderate

MORE ABOUT YELLOW PERCH

Although found in lakes across the US and Canada, the majority (85%) of yellow perch caught commercially is caught in Lake Erie.

These ratings are provided in partnership with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch® program, © 1999-2018 Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation

Recommended servings per month

Contaminant Men Women Kids 6-12 Kids 0-5
Yellow perch (wild, imported) Mercury, *PCBs 4+ 4+ 4+ 3
Yellow perch (farmed, US) Mercury, *PCBs 4+ 4+ 4+ 3

This chart shows how much can safely be eaten each MONTH (assuming no other contaminated fish is consumed). The advice is based on EPA guidance and the latest mercury data. More on contaminants »

* This fish has been shown to have elevated PCB levels in some places. Please visit the EPA’s National Listing of Fish Advisories to check for any consumption alerts in your area.
Eco details: 
  • Yellow perch is a resilient species of fish.
  • Habitat loss (mainly spawning habitat), invasive species, and overfishing dramatically impacted the yellow perch during the 1900’s, as with many Great Lakes species.
  • In Lake Erie, careful management and the resilient nature of yellow perch have caused their populations to rebound.
  • Less is known about yellow perch populations in Lakes Huron and Ontario.
  • Also, in these Lakes Huron and Ontario, yellow perch is a food source for cormorants, which have made a drastic comeback with improves water quality in the Great Lakes.
  • Until more is known about the combined effects of the fishery and cormorants, yellow perch from Lakes Huron and Ontario will be rated an Eco-OK choice, while yellow perch from Lake Erie is rated an Eco-Best choice.