Blue Ocean Institute

DSC_0069-1

Some problems exist with this species' status or catch methods, or information is insufficient for evaluating. Snapper, Opakapaka – HA These fish contain levels of mercury or PCBs that may pose a health risk to adults and children. Please refer to http://www.edf.org/seafood for more details.

Opakapaka is a species of snapper found throughout the Indo-Pacific region from East African to Hawaii. They reach sexual maturity by three years of age, grow at moderate rates, and can live for 18 years.

In Hawaii, Opakapaka can only be commercially fished around the main Hawaiian Islands, and this population is considered depleted and is undergoing overfishing. Opakapaka in Hawaiian waters are caught using hook and line gear, which results in low levels of bycatch and minimal damage to the seafloor.

Full species report here.

This fish may have high levels of mercury that could pose a health risk to adults and children.  More mercury info here.