Sustainable seafood is seafood that is caught or farmed in ways that consider the long-term vitality of harvested species and the well-being of the oceans, as well as the livelihoods of fisheries-dependent communities. It was first promoted through the sustainable seafood movement which began in the 1990s. This movement highlights overfishing and environmentally destructive fishing methods. Through a number of initiatives, the movement has increased awareness and raised concerns over the way seafood is obtained.
Sustainable seafood is from either fished or farmed sources that can maintain or increase production in the future without jeopardizing the ecosystems from which it was acquired. The sustainable seafood movement has gained momentum as more people become aware of both overfishing and environmentally destructive fishing methods. Fish farming can also have negative environmental effects, such as the destruction of natural wetlands and marine pollution.
Importance
Marine environments are currently under immense pressure. Their problems primarily arise through anthropogenic causes, such as overfishing and environmental destruction. However, research suggests that fisheries are able to recover or stabilize their populations when responsible management and regulations are in place. Unfortunately, most seafood is obtained through "irresponsible fishing practices that continue to modify some marine ecosystem." This has resulted in record levels of depleted stocks. For example, "85 percent of the world's fisheries are fished at or beyond their maximum sustainable limit." Considering the rising global population and the pressure that it has, and will continue to exert on the Earth's resources, a more sustainable method of fishing is necessary if humans wish to utilize its natural abundance.
Sustainable Seafood Movement
The Sustainable Seafood Movement is an initiative born through the realization that the marine ecosystems of the world were being overexploited and destroyed. It began in the 1990s and was driven by social marketing through Ecolabel and awareness campaigns. Through social marketing, the collaboration between environmental non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and industry allowed for the consumer to make informed choices, potentially contributing to the conservation of marine biodiversity.
Ecolabeling Ecolabeling programs evaluate the production process with environmental standards set by an independent third party. Should the process fulfill the specific requirements, the producer or marketer may purchase a license to use an ecolabel in its marketing. This label allows the consumer to know that the product was produced sustainably. Labeling is not only an effective regulatory tool in encouraging consumers to make environmentally friendly choices, but it also provides a financial benefit to producers. In 1996 the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) implemented the first certification program. Since then, they have not only made a distinct effort to maintain the health of ecosystems, but they have also contributed to more financial success for producers. For instance, once the American Albacore Fishing Association had its tuna certified to the MSC standard, they were able to obtain premium prices for their product. For the small fishing community in Bonita, California, certification allowed them to sell direct, as opposed to depending on the instability on the dock. They were able to make a profit of $2,260 rather than $1,700 per ton. More companies and organizations are choosing to use environmentally sustainable production, such as ecolabeling, to gain a greater market share and higher profits.
Awareness Campaigns Awareness campaigns focus on educating the public and encouraging them to purchase products that consider the vitality of marine species. They do so through boycotts of certain species and products as well as through seafood guides. Seafood guides highlight which species are acceptable to consume and which are not based on their environmental impact. Guides are typically divided into three categories, some using the analogy of a traffic light's colours: red, yellow, and green. These rankings are based on how the fish responds to fishing pressure, abundance, gear impact, bycatch, and management. Red represents items to avoid, yellow is a good alternative, and green is the best choice. Several organizations, including the Monterey Bay Aquarium, have developed their own guides or wallet cards to be distributed to the public.
In September 2016, a partnership of Google, Oceana, and SkyTruth introduced Global Fishing Watch, a website designed to help the public in monitoring fishing activities.Google Launches Global Fishing Watch—Digital Trends (September 16, 2016)Oceana Unveils Global Fishing Watch—Huffington Post (September 15, 2016)Illegal fishing targeted by crowdsourcing thanks to new Global Fishing Watch website—ABC News (Australia) (September 15, 2016)
Sustainable Seafood in Africa In 2004, the South African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) was established as an initiative of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF). The main goal was to inform the supply chain about sustainable seafood. In 2018, the four-year project Fish for Good started to guide fisheries in South Africa towards more sustainable fishing practices. In Western Cape, fishing subsidies have historically favored large-scale commercial fishers over small-scale fishers. The government has to look at how to help small-scale and commercial fisheries to avoid overfishing and illegal activities at sea.
Methods Spearfishing
Spearfishing is an ancient method of fishing that involves using a spear to catch fish underwater. Unlike some modern fishing techniques that can be harmful to marine ecosystems, spearfishing can be practiced in a sustainable manner when done responsibly. The Tagbanua people use spearfishing along with seasonal fishing to ensure their fisheries are sustainable.
Turtle Exclusion Devices Sustainable fishing methods are focused on minimizing environmental effects. As a result, gear can be modified, such as turtle exclusion devices. In catfish surveys in Missouri, USA, turtle bycatch has been shown to be a large issue. With modifications to the devices used to capture catfish, there was an 84% decrease in turtle bycatch, with no decrease in catfish capture rates.
Seasonal Fishing Practices Seasonal fishing can play a crucial role in promoting the sustainability of fisheries by allowing fish populations to reproduce and replenish. By implementing seasonal fishing restrictions, fisheries management can ensure that fishing activities are carried out when fish are most abundant and actively spawning, thus reducing the risk of overfishing. Additionally, seasonal fishing can help protect vulnerable life stages of fish and avoid harming spawning habitats. Seasonal fishing practices can contribute to the long-term health of fisheries and support ecosystem resilience.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) are areas where fishing is prohibited and offer a chance to enhance biodiversity conservation. Over the past 20 years, the world has increased the global MPA area from about 5 million square kilometers to about 28 million square kilometers. Out of all sustainable fishing practices, MPAs have the most potential for positive ecological effects, showing significant increases in fish biomass.
Seafood Guide The Seafood Guide below, made by SeaChoice, highlights which species are best to eat, and which should be avoided based on their management, abundance, and whether they have been caught or farmed in environmentally sustainable ways. It allows consumers to be informed of their choices and vote with their wallets. Fish Best Choice Some Concerns AvoidArctic CharFarmedBarramundiFarmed, Closed System (US), Australis Net Pens (Vietnam)Farmed, Closed System (Australia)Farmed, Open System (Most)Basa/Pangasius(Vietnam/Cambodia)CatfishFarmed (US)Chilean SeabassChile, Heard and McDonald Islands, Falkland Islands, Macquarie IslandSouth Georgia, Kerguelen Islands, Ross SeaCrozet Islands, Prince Edward and Marion IslandsClams/MusselsFarmed (All)WildArctic Surf (Canada)CodPacific Longline (Alaska)Pacific Bottom Trawl (US/BC)Atlantic (Canada), Pacific (Russia/Japan)CrabDungeness (BC/Washington), Stone (Florida/US Atlantic)King (US), Snow (US/Canada), Jonah (US/Canada), Atlantic Blue (US)King (Russia)Flounder/Sole(Pacific)(Atlantic)HaddockHandline (US Atlantic)Bottom Longline (Canada), Bottom Trawl (US/Canada/Iceland)Halibut(Alaska)(BC)(Atlantic)Lingcod(Canada/US)LobsterSpiny (US/Baja Mexico)American (Canada/US), Spiny (Bahamas)Spiny (Brazil)MackerelKing (US), Spanish (US), Atlantic (Canada)Atlantic Mid-Water Trawl (US)Mahi MahiTroll/Pole (US Atlantic)Longline and other (US)Longline (Imported)OystersFarmedWild (Canada/US)PollockAtlantic, Pacific (Alaska)Rockfish/Pacific Snapper Black rockfish (CA/OR/WA. US) Hook-and-line, jig (Pacific)Bottom Trawl (Pacific)Sablefish(Alaska/Canada)(US West Coast)SalmonWild (Alaska), Coho Land Farmed (US)Wild (BC, Washington, Oregon)Atlantic Open net pen Farmed (All Regions)SardinesPacific (Canada/US)Atlantic (Mediterranean)ScallopsFarmed Off BottomFarmed Dredge, Wild (US/Canada Atlantic)Shark/skateDogfish, spiny (Canada, Pacific)(All)Shrimp/PrawnsPink (Oregon), Spot (BC), Farmed Closed System (US), Northern (Canada Atlantic-trap) All Other (Canada/US)All Other FarmedSquidLongfin (US)(All Other)SwordfishHarpoon (Canada/Hawaii)Longline (US)(International), Longline (Canada)TilapiaFarmed (US)Farmed (South America)Farmed (Asia)Trout, RainbowFarmed (US), Land Based Farmed (Canada)Farmed Open Net (Canada)Tuna, Albacore(Canada/US Pacific)Longline (Hawaii)Longline (International)Tuna, Bigeye (Ahi)Pole/Troll (US Atlantic) Pole/Troll (International), Longline (US Atlantic)Longline (International/Hawaii)Tuna, Bluefin(All)Tuna, CannedAlbacore Chunk White (Canada/US Pacific)Albacore Chunk White Pole/Troll (International)Chunk light/white (All exc. Pole/Troll)Tuna, SkipjackPole/Troll (Atlantic)Longline (US Atlantic/Hawaii)Purse Seine/Longline (International)Tuna, Yellowfin (Ahi)Pole/Troll (US)Pole/Troll (International), Longline (US Atlantic/Hawaii)Purse Seine/Longline (International)
Fishing Methods
There are a wide variety. Each has its own environment impact that varies in intensity. The table below highlights a fishing method along with its environmental repercussions.
Method Equipment used Type of fish Environmental Impact Pole/troll Fishing rod/pole and bait Open ocean swimmers to bottom dwellers Low environmental impact. Reduced chance of bycatch Purse seining A large net is used to surround fish. The bottom of the net is pulled close to push the fish to the middle Schooling fish Higher chance of bycatch Gillnetting Uses a system of nets with floats and weights. The nets are anchored to the sea floor and allowed to float at the surface Sardines, salmon, cod Animals cannot see the net; therefore, they swim into it and are tangled. Huge risk of bycatch. Longline fishing Fishing line cast out from the boat. Can range from one mile to 50 miles. Pelagic fish Higher risk of bycatch. Fishermen use weights to sink their lines, which reduce the risk of bycatch. Traps and pots Wire or wooden cages attached to the sea floor; fishing weirs Lobsters, crab, shrimp The traps keep the fish alive. Lower chance of bycatch. Trolling Line towed behind the boat Salmon, mahi-mahi, tuna Release bycatch Harpooning Harpoon Large pelagic fish Fisherman have to visualize prey. No chance of bycatch. Trawls and dredgesUse huge nets that can either drag on the bottom of the sea floor or in midwater.Pollock, cod, flounder, shrimp Large amounts of bycatch. Can damage the sea floor.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)