Most Americans have never heard of wreckfish, triggerfish or grey mullet, but those who visit full-service restaurants may soon be eating these species. Chefs across the country are increasingly menuing bycatch, or “trash fish” — species unintentionally caught while fishing for a target species — as a way to get diners to think outside the salmon-tuna-shrimp box.
“Trash fish” are typically thrown away by fisherman because they can’t sell them. Using these lesser known or undesirable species not only allows fisherman to sell more of their haul and reduce waste, but as diners begin to see these species as viable dinner options it reduces the chances of overfishing other species.