The Earth’s oceans host an incredible diversity of life and support the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide. Unsustainable fishing practices, however, are threatening ocean habitats and coastal fishing communities.
Co-ops can support environmentally and economically sustainable fishing practices by selling seafood certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. MSC is an international nonprofit organization established to address the problem of overfishing and safeguard seafood supplies for the future. To be MSC certified, fisheries must meet strict sustainability criteria. They are independently assessed by scientists and marine experts; annual audits verify they maintain these standards.
Seafood sold with the blue MSC ecolabel can be traced to certified fisheries. Their good management practices help to ensure that fish are caught at levels which promote the long-term health and productivity of fish populations and the ecosystems on which they depend. MSC is able to follow fish through the supply chain, from fishery to consumer, because it requires a Chain of Custody certification for each link in that chain.
Co-ops can also earn the MSC Chain of Custody certification to promote the seafood in their fresh cases that is MSC certified. Stores pay for initial and subsequent audit expenses, plus an annual fee of as little as $250 per year.
Another sustainable seafood resource is Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. It offers comprehensive seafood recommendations in three simple categories — Best Choices, Good Alternatives and Avoid — to help consumers and businesses choose seafood caught or farmed in ways that protect marine life.
How can co-ops raise consumer awareness about the importance of sustainable fishing practices? If your co-op carries Seafood Watch “Best Choices” or branded products that bear the blue MSC ecolabel, promote them via in-store signage, flyers, social media, your website or newsletter. MSC offers a marketing toolkit plus downloadable images that are free to use after signing an ecolabel license agreement. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch has consumer guides, an online database and an app to help customers — and co-ops — make ocean-friendly choices when purchasing seafood.
When your co-op brings attention to sustainable seafood options, you’re offering customers a resource that helps them make informed purchases. For co-op shoppers specifically looking for sustainable seafood and for those who expect transparency about where their food comes from, MSC certification labeling and Seafood Watch recommendations are powerful tools.
By choosing to sell sustainable seafood, your co-op is supporting fisheries whose sustainable practices help to ensure fish stocks are healthy and secure the economic livelihood in fishing communities. Ultimately, you’re helping to protect the entire marine ecosystem and ensure thriving oceans for the future.
