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Thank you for joining us for The Tradex Foods - "3-Minute Sustainability Recap"
A summary of hot news items in sustainability – for seafood purchasers and industry.
The following information is a rundown of key sustainability news items for the month
of August. First up – the Seafood Watch Program of
the Monterey Bay Aquarium is expanding its’ business model to work with the seafood industry
as a means to improve fisheries and aquaculture operations. Traditionally, the Seafood Watch
Program has focused on consumer education and awareness – specifically by marketing
its seafood pocket guide. The new area of operations reflects a belief that it is important
to encourage and support the industry in making change. Buyers that are currently working
with the Seafood Watch Program include Santa Monica Seafood, Compass Group, Aramark, Whole
Foods Market and Disney. And - a report has been released that depicts
just how much fish discards are costing economies. The report claims that the UK has discarded
1 billion worth of Cod in the last 50 years – that’s enough fish to support 711 jobs
over 46 years. Just last month, the EU Fisheries Commissioner proposed that all commercial
catches should be landed and that discards should be phased out completely. However,
this new report finds that it would be more beneficial to take it a step further by fishing
more selectively, thereby giving fish more time to grow.
Next up - Albion Fisheries of Vancouver, British Columbia has removed seven red-listed species
from its product line – including Hake, New Zealand Hoki, Orange Roughy, Atlantic
Halibut, Greenland Halibut or Turbot, Monkfish, Skates and Rays.
And it is no longer just seafood companies and retailers that are developing seafood
sustainability policies. Google has launched Community Supported Fishery services that
allow employees to purchase a weekly supply of local, sustainable seafood through its’
partnership with Half Moon Bay Fisherman’s Association. Google also launched a “Green
Seafood Policy” that guides the company on buying sustainable and local seafood.
And finally, a quick update on the Marine Stewardship Council:
Alaska Halibut & Sablefish fisheries have been re-certified against the MSC standard.
The Razor Clam fishery in southwestern and northern coastal waters of the Netherlands
is the first to be assessed against MSC policy guidelines for introduced species.
And MSC is expanding in Russia – the organization has appointed a representative here to meet
growing demand by wild fisheries to obtain independent certification for their products.
Thank you for joining me for The Tradex Foods - "3-Minute Sustainability Recap"
This is Ryan McKay - “BUY SMART” and “EAT MORE SEAFOOD”