Demystifying the "Vegan Who Eats Seafood"
For anyone on a plant-based journey, the question "What is a vegan that eats seafood called?" can cause confusion. The short and accurate answer is a pescatarian. A true vegan diet is defined by the complete exclusion of all animal products, including meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, and seafood. Therefore, someone who consumes fish and other marine animals cannot be considered a vegan. The term 'vegan' is not just a diet but often a lifestyle that avoids animal exploitation entirely. The practice of eating a plant-based diet supplemented with seafood is distinct and has its own label: pescatarianism, derived from the Italian word for fish, "pesce".
The Core Differences Between Pescatarian, Vegetarian, and Vegan Diets
The fundamental difference lies in the source of protein and the philosophy behind the diet. A vegetarian excludes all meat, poultry, and fish, though they may consume dairy and eggs (lacto-ovo vegetarianism). A vegan removes all products derived from animals. A pescatarian is a semi-vegetarian who, while abstaining from land animals, incorporates fish and shellfish into their diet. This distinction is crucial for understanding the ethical, environmental, and nutritional differences of each path.
Why People Choose a Pescatarian Diet
The motivations for choosing a pescatarian diet are varied and often overlap with those of vegetarians and vegans. Some individuals adopt this diet for health reasons, recognizing the benefits of a plant-focused regimen combined with the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish. Others are motivated by environmental concerns, as the carbon footprint of seafood is generally lower than that of red meat and poultry.
Here are some common reasons people become pescatarians:
- Health: Fish is a rich source of omega-3s, vitamin D, and B12, which can be challenging to obtain from a strict vegan diet alone. Studies have shown that pescatarians may have a lower risk of certain diseases compared to omnivores.
- Environment: Many people reduce their consumption of red meat to lower their environmental impact. A pescatarian diet offers a middle ground by eliminating the animal agriculture associated with land animals.
- Ethics: Some individuals feel that consuming fish is a more ethical choice than consuming land animals due to differing views on sentience and suffering among species.
- Flexibility: For those transitioning away from a meat-inclusive diet, pescatarianism offers more flexibility, especially when dining out or seeking varied protein sources.
A Deeper Look at the Pescatarian Diet
A typical pescatarian diet centers on a diverse range of plant-based foods, with seafood acting as a primary protein source. A pescatarian's plate might include:
- Plant-based staples: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and seeds.
- Seafood: Fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, and trout, as well as shellfish such as shrimp, clams, crabs, and mussels.
- Optional animal products: Depending on personal preference, some pescatarians also include dairy and eggs, much like lacto-ovo vegetarians.
A Note on the Term 'Seagan'
The term 'seagan' is a more recent and less formal label used to describe a diet that combines vegan principles with the consumption of seafood. It's important to understand that this is not a recognized dietary category in the way that veganism and pescatarianism are. A person adhering to such a diet is still, by definition, a pescatarian, since the defining factor is the inclusion of fish and seafood. The word 'seagan' essentially describes a sub-type of pescatarian diet that also excludes dairy and eggs.
Comparison: Vegan vs. Pescatarian
| Feature | Vegan Diet | Pescatarian Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Meat/Poultry | Excludes all meat and poultry. | Excludes all meat and poultry. |
| Fish/Seafood | Excludes all fish and seafood. | Includes fish and seafood. |
| Dairy | Excludes all dairy (milk, cheese, etc.). | May include dairy. |
| Eggs | Excludes all eggs. | May include eggs. |
| Honey | Excludes honey. | May include honey. |
| Primary Proteins | Beans, lentils, tofu, nuts, seeds. | Fish, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds. |
| Key Nutrients | Requires careful planning for B12, iron, and omega-3s. | Easier to obtain B12 and omega-3s from fish. |
| Ethical Stance | Aims to minimize all animal exploitation. | Avoids land animal agriculture, with varying stances on fish welfare. |
Ethical and Health Considerations
While a pescatarian diet offers a clear pathway to reduce overall meat consumption, it's not without its considerations. For the health-conscious pescatarian, it is wise to be aware of potential contaminants like mercury in certain fish species. Choosing fish that are low in mercury is a common practice, and resources like the Monterey Bay Aquarium's Seafood Watch can help guide sustainable choices.
On the ethical front, a pescatarian diet avoids the issues associated with industrial-scale land animal farming. However, the ethics of fishing and aquaculture are also a significant concern, with issues like overfishing and bycatch needing attention. Responsible sourcing becomes paramount for a pescatarian who wishes to minimize their environmental and ethical footprint.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Label
Ultimately, understanding the distinctions between dietary labels helps in making informed choices and communicating clearly with others. A person who follows a vegan diet and eats seafood is, by definition, a pescatarian, not a vegan. While the motivations for adopting such a diet can be complex and personal, the classification itself is straightforward. For anyone exploring a plant-forward diet, pescatarianism is a popular and well-defined option that offers a balance of nutritional, ethical, and environmental considerations. Whether you call it pescatarianism, pesco-vegetarianism, or even 'seagan,' the dietary practice is clearly distinct from the all-encompassing nature of veganism. Learn more about the pescatarian diet on the Cleveland Clinic website.
