Superfoods Of The Sea, Why "Wild-Caught" Fish Are DIRTY, Fish Oil vs. Fish & More With Seatopia's James Arthur Smith

Ben Greenfield

Jul 5, 2025

Episode description

James Arthur Smith, who first joined me for the episode, “Why Wild-Caught Fish Isn’t Necessarily Better, The Truth About Farmed Fish, How To Get Guilt-Free, Gourmet Seafood, Delicious DIY Sushi & Sashimi Recipes & Much More!,” is a regenerative food systems entrepreneur, ocean advocate, and founder of Seatopia—a direct-to-consumer seafood company building the future of clean, functional nutrition through a restorative relationship with the sea.

Now based in Kaua’i, James Arthur is the proud father of two ocean-loving daughters and a loyal Belgian Malinois. Whether hosting full moon dinner rituals, crafting spirulina crudo, or collaborating with chefs and scientists, he continues to lead by example, championing a seafood future that’s clean, transparent, and deeply regenerative.

Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/seatopia2

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Mindsip insights from this episode:

Choose farmed fish for cleaner, nutrient-dense options

Farmed fish can be cleaner and more nutrient-dense than wild fish because their feed and environment are controlled to mitigate toxins.

#fish

#toxins

Protect deep sea ecosystems to preserve potential medicines

Deep sea mining threatens undiscovered ecosystems around thermal vents that harbor unique organisms with untapped potential for new medicines.

#environment

Choose fish feed wisely to control mercury levels

The mercury level in farmed fish is more dependent on their feed than their environment, as switching from anchovy to tuna byproducts can cause a significant spike.

#fish

#mercury

Recognize ocean as interconnected entity to address global pollution

Modern scientific literature refers to the ocean as a singular entity, not plural, because all bodies of water are interconnected, sharing pollutants globally.

#environment

#pollution

Choose fish farmed with microalgae for optimal omega-3s

The gold standard for clean fish farming uses fish-free feed, replacing fish oil with microalgae oil, which is the original source of omega-3s.

#nutrition

#omega-3

Cook Barramundi slowly on cast-iron pan with parchment paper

The best way to cook Barramundi is slowly on a cast-iron pan with parchment paper underneath to prevent sticking and ensure it becomes flaky.

#cooking

Thaw fish in fridge with paper towel for superior texture

For superior texture, thaw frozen fish by removing it from the plastic, wrapping it in a paper towel, and placing it in the fridge to wick away moisture.

#food

Choose farmed fish for a parasite-free option

Farmed fish are often exempt from FDA parasite destruction guidelines because their pelletized feed doesn't contain the parasites found in the natural diet of wild fish.