Safe Harbor® standards identify the maximum level of mercury concentration allowed in each species of fish sold with the Safe Harbor® seal. Safe Harbor® certification standards vary by species since each species contains different average levels of mercury. Our standards are reported in parts per million (ppm), which is how the government measures the mercury concentration in fish.
Safe Harbor was developed by Micro Analytical Systems of San Rafael, Calif. In 2005, MASI unveiled mercury-testing equipment for seafood processors that provides results in usually less than a minute.
To test fish and seafood for mercury, MASI has developed a mercury analyzer that uses advanced technology to precisely measure the amount of mercury in fish. An operator in the processing plant takes a small sample from a piece of fish and inserts it into the testing unit, which quickly analyzes it for mercury content. Fish that meet Safe Harbor® standards are labeled with the Safe Harbor seal and distributed to grocery stores and restaurants.