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What is Wahoo? |
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Wahoo is a type of edible fish native to tropical and subtropical coastal areas around the world. It is prized for its delicate white flesh and is a popular sport fishing catch. Wahoo is also known as Ono, meaning "delicious," in the Hawaiian Islands. Wahoo is a member of the Scombridae family, which also includes tuna. Wahoo fish are the largest of the mackerels and may reach eight feet (2.5 m) in length and 180 pounds (83 kg) in weight. Wahoo grow very quickly - one specimen gained 22 pounds in a single year - and are believed to tolerate fishing well; however, Wahoo populations have not been well researched. Wahoo live singly or in small schools and are not caught as often as some other fish. This, along with the prized taste of the fish, makes Wahoo a relatively rare delicacy. All Wahoo are wild-caught. Some are gained as bycatch in other fishing operations, and others are caught by sport fishers, usually with a hook and line or a longline. Longline fishing can result in bycatch of other species, so it is not the most environmentally sound fishing method. The Monterrey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch lists Wahoo as a good choice, but stipulates that more research is necessary to determine the effect of fishing methods on the species. The Fish and Wildlife Research Institute is currently studying Wahoo populations in Florida. Wahoo may also present a health concern due to levels of mercury in the fish. Like tuna, Wahoo is a predatory species, with a diet consisting mainly of smaller fish and squid. Therefore, amounts of toxins in the prey fish accumulate in the Wahoo and can present a health hazard to humans. A health advisory has been issued against Wahoo by the Environmental Defense. According to their website, adults can safely eat Wahoo twice a month, while children can eat it for one meal each month without health risk.
Written by
Niki Foster
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