From a past encounter with the New York Times, one that ended with a correction from the Times and a rebuke by the papers ombudsman, we know that the Old Grey Lady aint what she used to be. But Im not sure shes changed for the better.

Recently we brought some salient points up about the failure of the Times to abide by its own journalistic standards when producing its most recent report on fishthis time tilapia. And we heard back from an editor who, wherere not sure actually read our letter. Keep in mind her response is that she believes all of our points were well represented after when we just spent 700 words outline the clear, demonstrable lack of representation found in the article.

The dismissive, blind defense of the Times editorial process is one perhaps Jayson Blair himself would be proud of. Watch this space for more on our interaction with the Times and feel free to read our letter below and the editors response.

May 2, 2011

Jill Abramson

Managing Editor

New York Times

VIA Email

Dear Ms. Abramson,

We would like to bring to your attention several breaches in journalism standards contained in an article today by Elisabeth Rosenthal [Another Side of Tilapia, the Perfect Factory Fish].

In paragraph #7, Ms. Rosenthal claims tilapia contains a less healthful mix of fatty acids because the fish are fed corn and soy instead of lake plants and algae, the diet of wild tilapia. Ms. Rosenthal was made aware by NFI dietitian, Jennifer McGuire, MS, RD, that the American Heart Association (AHA) concludes that omega-6 fatty acids found in some vegetable oils, nuts and seeds are a beneficial part of a heart-healthy eating plan. She ignored both Ms. McGuires and AHAs expertise.

In paragraph #8, Rosenthal cites Dr. Floyd Chilton, a professor of physiology and pharmacology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, as a source that claims tilapia may be detrimental. Ms. Rosenthal was made aware by me and Ms. McGuire that Dr. Chiltons public statements about the healthfulness of tilapia have in the past led to reports that bacon, hamburgers, and doughnuts are a better choice than certain fish and his communications on this issue have been rebuked by the medical community as potentially damaging to public health

In response to confusing media reports about Chiltons perspective in 2008, an international coalition of more than a dozen doctors spoke out to clarify that fish like tilapia are low in total and saturated fat, high in protein and clearly part of a healthy diet. In explaining the specifics of different types of fat, the researchers note (consistent with AHA) that omega-6s are not only found in fish like tilapia, but vegetable oils, nuts, whole-wheat bread and chicken. The coalition, that even included another expert from Wake Forest University itself, said unequivocally that while lean fish are not rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish like catfish and tilapia, should be considered better choices than most other meat alternatives and, in addition to eating oily fish, our omega-3 needs can also be met by eating less-oily (lower-fat) fish more often. Ms. Rosenthal simply uses Dr. Chilton as an expert and ignores his past transgressions in the media that a long list of credible health organizations and independent researchers have spoken out against.

In paragraphs 10 and 11 Ms. Rosenthal explains the inspection and certification efforts of the WWFs Aquaculture Stewardship Council. She also mentions the appeal of certified aquaculture facilities to large corporate customers like Costco. She describes the programs growing popularity. But she omits facts the National Fisheries Institute brought to her attention that inspection and certification has been ongoing for years and the Worlds largest retailer Wal Mart and the countrys largest grocer Kroger both already only carry aquaculture products that are certified by the Global Aquaculture Alliance.

Readers are given the impression that aquaculture certification is a new and growing trend. While it is growing, its been around for years and major companies have long endorsed it. The WWFs Aquaculture Stewardship Council may be new but the added food safety and sustainability aspects of such certification are not new at all.

In paragraph 23 many biologists are reported to be worrying about tilapia farming leaving lakes dead and species extinct. However, only one is quoted. I cant help but wonder how many were contacted for the article. In the case of the afore mentioned Dr. Chilton we provided 16 voices that stood in contrast to his often found hyperbole but none were used to counter him.

Paragraph 34 notes that the Mayo Clinic advises patients that tilapia and catfish, dont appear to be as heart-healthy as other fish. In our contacts with Ms. Rosenthal, prior to publication, we actually provided her with a statement from Mayo Clinic dietitians who said specifically of the tilapia debacle in 2008, I’m going to continue to eat fish at least twice weekly. I’m going to choose a variety of fatty fish including tilapia and catfish along with others especially high in the good fats such as salmon, tuna and mackerel. This clear endorsement of tilapia by the Mayo Clinic was reiterated by registered dietitian Jennifer McGuire and is not reflected in the article.

We look forward to your review of this report.

Sincerely,

Gavin Gibbons

National Fisheries Institute

CC: John Geddes

Managing Editor

Jim Roberts

Assistant Managing Editor

Gerald Marzorati

Assistant Managing Editor

Philip Corbett

Associate Managing Editor

Greg Brock

Senior Editor

Dana Canedy

Senior Editor

Arthur Brisbane

Public Editor

From: Keenan, Sandra [mailto:**************]
Sent: Tuesday, May 03, 2011 9:39 AM
To: Gavin Gibbons
Subject: tilapia farming

Dear Mr. Gibbons,

Thank you for the input on the tilapia farming story. With a careful reading, you will find that all the points you make about tilapia and the industry are well represented in Ms. Rosenthal’s balanced, measured and expertly sourced piece.

Please let me know if you would like to discuss this further.

Best,

Sandy Keenan
environment editor/The New York Times