In most fish, the levels are very low. However, some varieties contain high levels of mercury due to their feeding habits or surrounding environment. Commercially sold fish that may contain high levels of mercury include shark (flake), ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna.
Two separate maximum levels are imposed for fish ― a level of 1.0 mg mercury/kg for the fish that are known to contain high levels of mercury (such as swordfish, southern bluefin tuna, barramundi, ling, orange roughy, rays and shark) and a level of 0.5 mg/kg for all other species of fish.
Fish that contain high levels of mercury include shark, ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and food.
Is barramundi high in mercury? The Better Fish® Barramundi contains no traceable levels of mercury or toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), and it's farmed without any antibiotics or chemicals, which makes barramundi very safe to eat.
Marine fish that may contain high levels of mercury include shark (flake), ray, broadbill, swordfish, marlin, gemfish, orange roughy (sea perch) and catfish. Freshwater fish in Queensland that may contain higher levels of mercury include Australian bass, Murray cod, eel and golden perch.
Many fish have low mercury levels
Atlantic Salmon. Canned salmon and canned tuna in oil. Herrings. Sardines.
You can eat as much barramundi as you'd like without adding to your FODMAP load.
Barramundi is low in fat and high in omega-3 fatty acids, making it a great source of essential nutrients. Some consider barramundi one of the healthiest seafoods. This fish is great for your cardiovascular system. Including omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is an excellent start to a healthier lifestyle.
Does Barramundi contain mercury? The Better Fish® Barramundi has consistently tested below detectable limits for mercury (average of 0.02 ppm). The levels allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is 1 ppm.
Barramundi is High in Key Nutrients
In order to meet the recommended omega-3 requirements for a healthy heart and brain power, eat Aussie barra at least once or twice a week.
With half the calories of salmon, Barramundi is still packed with Omega-3 fatty acids (known to promote both brain and cardiovascular health) and boasts 21 grams of lean protein in a four-ounce serving.
Choose fish and shellfish that are lower in mercury such as salmon, trout, tilapia, cod, sole, sardines, shrimp, oysters, and other shellfish. For the most health benefits, choose fatty fish such as salmon, trout, herring, chub mackerel, and sardines. o These fish have healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Salmon, Wild-Caught (including canned)
Wild-caught salmon is low in contaminants, including mercury and lead. And some salmon, like pink and sockeye, from well-managed fisheries worldwide (particularly in Alaska), also tick the box for being lower in mercury and lead.
Oily fish are fish that contain at least 10% fat, most of which are the healthier omega-3 oils. In Australia, the oiliest fish include: canned salmon and sardines, some varieties of canned tuna, salmon, gemfish, blue-eye trevalla, blue mackerel, oysters and arrow squid.
Pregnant women need to limit the amount of fish they eat which contain high levels of mercury. These fish include: flake, ray, swordfish, barramundi, gemfish, orange roughy, ling and southern bluefin tuna.
Most of the metallic mercury absorbed into the body eventually leaves in the urine and feces, while smaller amounts leave the body in the exhaled breath.
Family owned and operated Humpty Doo Barramundi farm has been producing some of Australia's most popular saltwater barramundi since 1993.
In the Northern Territory, wild-caught Barramundi is harvested mainly along a small section of the coastline. Unlike the farmed Barramundi, which can occasionally have a slightly muddy flavour, the wild-caught Barramundi is generally a saltwater fish and has a much firmer and flakier flesh.
Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) farming is the second largest aquaculture activity in Queensland after marine prawn farming. Barramundi are grown in a variety of culture systems across Australia. Queensland's climate permits pond-based production of plate-sized fish. Southern states use recirculating tank-based systems.
In Western Australia, barramundi are found in rivers and along the coast from Exmouth Gulf to the Northern Territory border, however, they are most prolific in the Kimberley where a large area of the State's tropical rivers are located.
Nutrition Benefits
By eating barramundi, you'll also get the added benefit of lowering your risk of heart disease, inflammation, and anxiety.
Barramundi's clean, buttery flavor and hearty texture appeals to just about everyone — even non-fish lovers.
Also known as Asian sea bass, sustainable sea bass or giant perch, a 5-ounce portion of barramundi has 137 calories (half that of salmon), 2½ grams total fat, negligible saturated fat and 76 milligrams of cholesterol. It's also an excellent source of high-quality protein.
A 170g fillet of barramundi contains approximately 140 calories, and just 13% (around 18 calories) of this amount comes from fat. Eating a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids may help lower cholesterol and decrease risk of heart disease, cancer and neurological disorders.