A variety of seafood certification schemes have developed over the past decade, all claiming that the fish that they certify have been sustainably caught or farmed and that they are the best option for consumers to purchase.
Greenpeace is of the opinion that no fully credible certification system for sustainable wild-caught seafood currently exists. So far, the challenges facing our oceans are far from being tackled and the fundamental principles of precaution and ecosystem approach are not yet incorporated into fisheries management.
Greenpeace is of the opinion that no fully credible certification system for sustainable wild-caught seafood currently exists. So far, the challenges facing our oceans are far from being tackled and the fundamental principles of precaution and ecosystem approach are not yet incorporated into fisheries management.
This has been our message for more than the past three years. Most of the certification programs out there are just marketing tools for the seafood industry. Their greatest value is often the data they can provide to help us preform our own internal evaluations of the subject fishery.
I believe we need a drastic overhaul seafood management that encompasses all marine resources. Absent that, I truly believe we will only do more harm than good by supporting third party certifiers that fail to take the "world" view. This includes addressing food safety issues such as inspection and contaminants.
My company is the only voice that rejects the blatantly manipulative efforts by the seafood industry to come off as sustainable and "green." Until the essential issues are addressed we must avoid all wild fisheries, with the exception of program like our new Community Supported Fisheries Program that supports artisanal fishermen that only use best practices. We must also avoid all aquacultured fish unless they are fully traceable and document and assure best practices.
