Food Lion

Food Lion, based in Salisbury, N.C. since 1957, has more than 1,000 stores in 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states and employs more than 63,000 associates. By leveraging its longstanding heritage of low prices and convenient locations, Food Lion is working to own the easiest full shop grocery experience in the Southeast, anchored by a strong commitment to affordability, freshness and the communities it serves. Through Food Lion Feeds, the company has donated more than 500 million meals to individuals and families since 2014, and has committed to donate 1 billion more meals by 2025. Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit www.foodlion.com.

Number of Fisheries Used
Number of Fisheries Certified or in a FIP
Number of Fisheries Assessed as Low Risk by Nonprofit Science Partner
Number of Countries Sourced Farmed Product From
% of Farmed Finfish and Shrimp Certified

Number of Fisheries Used

122

Number of Fisheries Certified or in a FIP

69

Number of Fisheries Assessed as Low Risk by Nonprofit Science Partner

53

Number of Countries Sourced Farmed Product From

15

% of Farmed Finfish and Shrimp Certified

100%

Production Methods Used
    • Midwater trawl
    • Bottom trawl
    • Dredge
    • Purse seine
    • Associated purse seine
    • Seine nets
    • Gillnets and entangling nets
    • Hook and line
    • Longlines
    • Handlines and pole-lines
    • Pots and traps
    • Farmed
Summary

Food Lion has a comprehensive sustainable seafood policy. We are committed to sourcing only seafood from fisheries and farms that are well managed to ensure that fish populations remain healthy and that fishing and farming methods have a minimum environmental and social impact. All seafood we sell, whether it’s fresh, frozen, or canned, must meet important sustainability criteria. We work with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI), a nonprofit marine research institution, to help us maintain the credibility and transparency of our policy. For both wild-caught and farmed seafood, we will source a product if it has a certification benchmarked by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI), or if it is from an active fishery improvement project (FIP) or aquaculture improvement project (AIP). In cases where neither exists, we will only source a product if it assessed as low risk by GMRI. Low risk sources are managed by competent authorities and have management plans in place that incorporate a science-based approach to ensure sustainability. We only work with suppliers that know where the seafood they provide us comes from, and we require traceability to the source fishery or farm for every item we carry. We partner with Trace Register to document source data for all seafood products.

Food Lion is deeply concerned about the well-being of the men and women who contribute to bringing seafood to our stores. From harvesting to processing and distribution, we are committed to ensuring ethical recruitment and conditions of labor. This is a highly complex issue and spans many of our seafood supply chains. We are actively engaged in bringing together numerous stakeholders, NGOs, and other private sector companies to collaboratively address unsatisfactory human welfare conditions, the most egregious being slavery at sea. We will not knowingly sell seafood from illegal, unreported, or unregulated (IUU) sources. Food Lion also requires canned tuna suppliers to comply with the International Sustainable Seafood Foundation conservation measures, and encourages shrimp suppliers to buy from Seafood Task Force members when sourcing from Thailand. Food Lion’s parent company, Ahold Delhaize, is a member of the Seafood Task Force, as well as the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability. Ahold Delhaize is also a signatory to the World Economic Forum Tuna Declaration. Through the Tuna Declaration, we are committed to pursuing traceability to the vessel for all fresh, frozen, and canned tuna from every country.

This profile covers fresh, frozen, and canned wild caught and farmed seafood sold by Food Lion in 2022. For more information on our seafood sourcing policy, please visit:

Associated Fisheries

Species and Location
Production Methods
Certification or Improvement Project
Sustainability Ratings
Notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Acadian redfish

Sebastes fasciatus

Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have unacceptable impacts on ETP species. ETP species that may interact with the fishery include marine mammals, sea turtles and Atlantic sturgeon, but recorded interactions are low.
  • This fishery does not pose a risk of serious harm to bycatch species. Major bycatch species include dogfish and skate, of which, thorny skate is overfished. There is a partial strategy in place to ensure the fishery does not hinder the recovery of thorny skate.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes

Reference

SAI Global, 2016, MSC Assessment Final Report and Determination for US Acadian Redfish, Pollock and Haddock Otter Trawl Fishery.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Acadian redfish

Sebastes fasciatus

Gulf of St. Lawrence & Laurentian Channel

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is not believed to be an issue for ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is a risk.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Alaska pollock

Theragra chalcogramma

Gulf of Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed, but occasional impacts may occur.
General Notes
  • This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch of other tuna, billfishes and sharks is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indian Ocean albacore tuna - longline (Bumble Bee/FCF)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

North Atlantic

Fishery countries:
Panama

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch of other tuna, billfishes and sharks is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indian Ocean albacore tuna - longline (Bumble Bee/FCF)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

North Pacific

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are specific management measures in place for mitigation of ETP-species bycatch, including sea turtles.
  • Bycatch of other tuna, billfishes and sharks is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

North Pacific

Fishery countries:
Japan

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low but the fishery may have impacts on fish populations used for bait.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

South Atlantic

Fishery countries:
Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

South Pacific

Fishery countries:
Cook Islands

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch of other tuna, billfishes and sharks is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Pacific Ocean tuna - longline (StarKist)

Species and Location

fishery flag

American cupped oyster

Crassostrea virginica

Virginia

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

American cupped oyster

Crassostrea virginica

Virginia

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Shellfish aquaculture is considered a highly sustainable practice because the overall environmental impacts of farming plankton-filtering species are minimal.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Farmed molluscan shellfish such as oysters and clams are not required to have GSSI certification as the environmental impact of their operations are generally positive.

References

Seafood Watch, Oyster, Farmed, Bottom culture

Species and Location

fishery flag

American lobster

Homarus americanus

Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank - US Gulf of Maine

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are potential risks to ETP species with this fishery, but mitigation actions are underway.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • The Gulf of Maine Lobster fishery MSC Notice of Suspension was 31 August 2020.
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

American lobster

Homarus americanus

Gulf of St. Lawrence South

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species. The risk to marine mammals of entanglement in lobster gear is considered low.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

American sea scallop

Placopecten magellanicus

Eastern Georges Bank

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have significant impacts on ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is likely to be low. Furthermore, bycatch of commercial finfish is included in groundfish quotas.
  • Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

Reference

Seafood Watch, Sea Scallop, Canada, Northwest Atlantic Ocean, Boat dredges, Marine Stewardship Council Certified Eastern Canada offshore scallop Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

American sea scallop

Placopecten magellanicus

US Atlantic - Mid-Atlantic Bight

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch is a risk in this fishery.
  • Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Anchoveta

Engraulis ringens

Peruvian Northern-Central Industrial

Fishery countries:
Peru

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery interacts with ETP species including sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
  • This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Arctic surfclam

Mactromeris polynyma

NW Atlantic

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Argentine red shrimp

Pleoticus muelleri

Patagonian - Argentina inshore, Argentina offshore

Fishery countries:
Argentina

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sharks and rays with this fishery.
  • Bycatch of hake is a risk with this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Argentina onshore red shrimp - bottom trawl FIP

Fishery Progress, Argentina offshore red shrimp - bottom trawl FIP

Species and Location

fishery flag

Arrow-tooth flounder

Atheresthes stomias

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the seabed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic bay scallop

Argopecten irradians

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Farmed scallops are not provided external feed.
  • The risk of escape is considered to be low. Relatively few diseases have been reported in scallops. The majority of the source of stock for farmed scallops comes from natural or passive settlement. Due to the lack of data on source stocks, the percentage of production from hatchery-raised broodstock or natural (passive) settlement is difficult to quantify; however, the removal of wild scallops for broodstock is not expected to have any negative impacts on the wild stock.
  • Little to no chemicals are used in the culture of scallops. Improved husbandry and cleaning methods rather than use of antibiotics are employed to prevent bacterial infections. No chemicals are used during the grow-out phase of scallop culture. Cleaning solutions (i.e., bleach) used during the hatchery phase are not discharged to the marine environment.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Seafood Watch, Scallops, Worldwide, Farmed, Off-bottom culture

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic bay scallop

Argopecten irradians

North Carolina

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic chub mackerel

Scomber colias

NW Africa

Fishery countries:
France

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on benthic habitats.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Georges Bank - E Georges Bank

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are potential risks to ETP species with this fishery, but mitigation actions are underway.
  • There is significant bycatch in this fishery but non-target species are retained.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic croaker

Micropogonias undulatus

N&S American Atlantic Coast

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic halibut

Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery catches other species that are overfished, experiencing overfishing, or both. Rebuilding goals for some depleted species haven't been met, discards may be underreported, and more evidence is needed to show management's effectiveness.
  • Trawling occurs over more resilient habitat, and policies to protect the ecosystem are being developed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Seafood Watch, Atlantic halibut, United States, Northwest Atlantic Ocean, Bottom trawls

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic halibut

Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Norway

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic halibut

Hippoglossus hippoglossus

Scotian Shelf and Southern Grand Banks

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic herring

Clupea harengus

Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Seine nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to marine mammals and sea turtles with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic herring

Clupea harengus

Icelandic summer-spawning

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • The available data on the impacts of fishing on the ETP species in Iceland is scarce. There are management measures in place for whales and seals.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. There are management measures in place to prevent bycatch of juvenile herring and other species.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic herring

Clupea harengus

North Sea Autumn spawners

Fishery countries:
Germany

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic herring

Clupea harengus

Nova Scotia and Bay of Fundy

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag

Atlantic mackerel

Scomber scombrus

NE Atlantic

Fishery countries:
Iceland, United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Data on bycatch of protected species have been collected by observers and there is no evidence that ETP species have been affected by the pelagic trawl fisheries in NE Atlantic although this gear has been classified as bycatch medium risk.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic mackerel

Scomber scombrus

NE Atlantic

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Data on bycatch of protected species have been collected by observers and there is no evidence that ETP species have been affected by the pelagic trawl fisheries in NE Atlantic although this gear has been classified as bycatch medium risk.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Canada

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed. Marine ingredients (herring, menhaden, anchovy) are sourced from fisheries that currently have no serious conservation concerns.
  • There is an ongoing risk of impact that fish escaping from Canadian-sited farms may have on their wild counterparts (as evidenced by the higher numbers of escapees in Canadian rivers).
  • The use of antibiotics was markedly high. The limited availability of registered pesticide therapeutants for the control of sea lice has resulted, at least twice, in the development of resistance to the few products permitted. There is potential for larger-scale, cumulative ecological impacts from effluents.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Atlantic Salmon, Farmed, Canada

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. Overall, the Chilean industry continues to struggle with the control of bacterial diseases and sea lice parasites as indicated by the very high levels of treatment.
  • Direct impacts on water quality at the site are unlikely, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. The use of antibiotic and pesticides in Chile is high; studies on impact are limited.
General Notes
  • A zonal management approach has been adopted based on licenses (concessions); groups of licenses - Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs); emergency disease zones - Macro Zones; and Areas Autorizadas para el ejercicio de la Acuicultura - Appropriate Areas for Aquaculture (AAA).

References

FishSource, Salmon, Chile

Good Fish Guide, Atlantic Salmon, Farmed

Seafood Watch, Farmed Atlantic Salmon, Chile

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic seabob

Xiphopenaeus kroyeri

Guyanese

Fishery countries:
Guyana

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There is a risk to ETP species with this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • Habitat impacts in this fishery are not well understood.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic Spanish mackerel

Scomberomorus maculatus

Western Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic surf clam

Spisula solidissima

NW Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Black seabass

Centropristis striata

NW Atlantic northern stock

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blacktip shark

Carcharhinus limbatus

Gulf of Mexico

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue catfish

Ictalurus furcatus

US East Coast

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Blue catfish is caught in a mix of fisheries using a variety of gears that have low impacts on the Chesapeake Bay’s bottom habitat.
  • Other species of concern are reportedly caught with blue catch fish.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Seafood Watch, Blue catfish, United States, Chesapeake Bay, Set gillnets

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue crab

Callinectes sapidus

Chesapeake Bay

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue mussel

Mytilus edulis

Canada

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • No feed inputs are used to support farmed mussels.
  • The larval phase of mussels may be transported away from farm sites. The spread of non-native musels and unintentionally introduced species beyond their natural range may be a cause for concern.
  • There is no concern regarding pollution from nutrients or organic matter. No feed or nutrient fertilization inputs are used to support farmed mussels, and water quality has been shown to improve at farmed mussel sites.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Mussels, Farmed, Worldwide, Best Aquaculture Practices Certified BAP Mussel Standard

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue mussel

Mytilus edulis

Gulf of Maine

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Mussel farming has a benign ecological footprint, with little disturbance of sediments or aquatic vegetation during grow-out. Some mussel harvesting methods involve dredging, but long-term effects on the environment are rare.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue swimming crab

Portunus pelagicus

Java Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There's bycatch of at-risk species of turtles, sharks, rays, and dugong.
  • Habitat impacts are a moderate concern because few mitigation measures are in place, but fishing occurs over sandy and muddy seafloor. There are no efforts to assess the ecosystem impacts of the fishery.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesian blue swimming crab - gillnet/trap

Seafood Watch, Blue swimming crab, Indonesia (Jawa), Eastern Indian Ocean, Gillnets and entangling nets

Species and Location

fishery flag

Bluefish

Pomatomus saltatrix

W North Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to marine mammals with this fishery.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery, but the scale of the issue is not established.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Channel catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

US

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Very low amounts of fishmeal and fish oil are used in the catfish feed, which is made primarily from agricultural crop-derived ingredients.
  • Risks of escapes, competition with, and disease outbreaks to wild catfish are low.
  • Environmental impacts from effluents and chemical use are minimal and well-regulated.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Channel Catfish, Farmed, United States, Ponds

Species and Location

fishery flag

Chilean mussel

Mytilus chilensis

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • No feed inputs are used to support farmed mussels.
  • The larval phase of mussels may be transported away from farm sites. The spread of non-native mussels and unintentionally introduced species beyond their natural range may be a cause for concern.
  • There is no concern regarding pollution from nutrients or organic matter. No feed or nutrient fertilization inputs are used to support farmed mussels, and water quality has been shown to improve at farmed mussel sites.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Seafood Watch, Chilean Mussel, Best Aquaculture Practices Certified BAP Mussel Standard

Species and Location

fishery flag

Chinook salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Alaska - Southeast Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Chinook salmon, United States (Alaska), Northeast Pacific Ocean, Marine Stewardship Council Certified Alaska salmon Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Chum salmon

Oncorhynchus keta

Alaska - Alaska Peninsula, Aleutian Islands and Chignik

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References
Intertek Moody Marine, 2013, Alaska Salmon Fishery MSC Public Certification Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Cobia

Rachycentron canadum

US Atlantic South

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • While cobia are caught incidentally with other species, they’re not depleted or experiencing overfishing. Effective management includes successful measures that have kept the targeted populations healthy and reduced bycatch impacts.
  • Pole-and-line fishing gears have minimal contact with seafloor habitat, but cobia's role in the ecosystem hasn't been evaluated by management.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Seafood Watch, Cobia, United States, Western Central Atlantic Ocean, Handlines and hand-operated pole-and-lines

Species and Location

fishery flag

Cobia

Rachycentron canadum

Panama

Fishery countries:
Panama

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • The feed for cobia relies on a high amount of marine ingredients even though the use of fisheries byproducts from more sustainable sources is increasing. To supply the fish oil to grow one ton of farmed cobia, 3.84 tons of wild fish would need to be caught.
  • The risk of escapes is rated a moderate concern, and it’s unknown if breeding between farmed and wild cobia could affect the genetic composition and fitness of wild populations.
  • Data on antibiotic use are limited, but there are indications they’re being used and could include treatments that are important to human medicine.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Cobia, Farmed, Panama, Western Central Atlantic Ocean

Species and Location

fishery flag

Coho salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Alaska - Bristol Bay

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References
Intertek Moody Marine, 2013, Alaska Salmon Fishery MSC Public Certification Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Coho salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil in Chilean salmon feeds continue to be replaced by high levels of crop protein or oil ingredients, and also with by-products from land-animal processing. Data provided by major feed companies supplying Chilean farms and by Intesal show the feed conversion ratio (dry weight of feed to wet weight of fish) is 1.2 for coho salmon. From first principles, 1.56 MT of wild fish would need to be caught to produce 1 metric ton of farmed coho salmon.
  • Large escape events continue to occur in Chile, although at a reducing frequency. Coho salmon show greater evidence of reproduction and establishment in Chile, and escaped fish have been shown to predate on wild fish. The open nature of net pen production systems leaves fish inherently vulnerable to infection. Overall, the Chilean industry continues to struggle with the control of bacterial diseases and sea lice parasites as indicated by the very high levels of treatment. Frequent treatment with antibiotics that are highly important for human medicine (and critically important to veterinary medicine) is not prudent, judicious, or justified when the risks are considered.
  • Academic studies of soluble nutrients across all salmon farming regions indicate direct impacts at the site are unlikely, but the potential for cumulative impacts remains a moderate concern.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Farmed Coho Salmon, Chile

Species and Location

fishery flag

Dungeness crab

Cancer magister

Oregon

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

European anchovy

Engraulis encrasicolus

Bay of Biscay

Fishery countries:
Spain

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Bycatch is low and habitat impacts are unlikely in this fishery.
  • Anchovy is a species at or near the base of the food chain and the impact of their large-scale removal on the marine ecosystem is poorly understood.
General Notes
  • This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Good Fish Guide, European anchovy, Bay of Biscay, Net (purse seine or ring), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Species and Location

fishery flag

European anchovy

Engraulis encrasicolus

NW Africa

Fishery countries:
Morocco

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Purse seining is generally considered to have very low potential effects on the habitat and on protected species.
  • Data regarding bycatch is limited, nonetheless, protective measures are in place for sharks and bycatch limits are defined for allowable species.
General Notes
  • This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Fishery Progress, Morocco anchovy - purse seine

Good Fish Guide, European anchovy, Northwest Africa, Net (purse seine or ring)

Species and Location

fishery flag

European pilchard

Sardina pilchardus

NW Africa central

Fishery countries:
Morocco

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Pelagic fisheries that exploit schooling fish are generally very selective in terms of species and have little to no impact on benthic habitats, as nets do not tend to make contact with the seafloor.
  • Interactions with protected species is poorly documented but recent research suggests low levels.
General Notes
  • This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Good Fish Guide, Sardine, Northwest Africa: Zone A and B (Central), Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)

Species and Location

fishery flag

European pilchard

Sardina pilchardus

NW Africa southern

Fishery countries:
Poland

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Pelagic fisheries that exploit schooling fish are generally very selective in terms of species and have little to no impact on benthic habitats, as nets do not tend to make contact with the seafloor.
  • Interactions with protected species is poorly documented in Morocco and Mauritanian but recent research suggests low levels in Morocco. Further investigation is needed in Mauritanian small pelagic fisheries.
General Notes
  • This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Good Fish Guide, Sardine, Northwest Africa: Zone C (Southern), Net (pelagic trawl; purse seine)

Species and Location

fishery flag

European seabass

Dicentrarchus labrax

Greece

Fishery countries:
Greece

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Seabass require fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet. Concerns about the sustainability of feed inputs are relatively minor though they are not necessarily certified sustainable.
  • Escapes are a concern and little is known about the risk of disease transfer to wild species.
  • Impacts on water quality are localized and have not been shown to have cumulative impacts beyond the immediate farm site. Chemical inputs are only used for health management and are applied in a controlled manner. Reports indicate responsible use, but there is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Good Fish Guide, Seabass (Farmed), Global, European Union and Turkey, Farmed by Open net pen, marine, GLOBALG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, European sea bass, Farmed, Worldwide, Indoor recirculating tanks (without wastewater treatment)

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

European sprat

Sprattus sprattus

Baltic Sea

Fishery countries:
Latvia, Poland, Sweden

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species, but available data is still limited.
  • The main bycatch species, Baltic herring, is well managed.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Flathead grey mullet

Mugil cephalus

N Gulf of Mexico and NW Atlantic - Florida West Coast

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Cast nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch is for this fishery considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Flathead sole

Hippoglossoides elassodon

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Great Northern tilefish

Lopholatilus chamaeleonticeps

Southern New England/Mid Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There is a lack of information on bycatch in this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Grey tilefish

Caulolatilus microps

South Atlantic coast of US and Gulf of Mexico

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species, but available data is still limited.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. An MSC condition is in place to strengthen understanding of fishery interactions with sensitive habitat.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species, but available data is still limited.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed. An MSC condition is in place to strengthen understanding of fishery interactions with sensitive habitat.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Gulf of Maine

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch is a significant risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

North Sea, West of Scotland and Skagerrak

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch of cod is a risk for this fishery but measures are in place to reduce impacts.
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • As a mixed fishery, the effects of management measures on other species need to be considered within an ecosystem context.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

S Scotian Shelf and Bay of Fundy

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles and marine mammals with this fishery.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes other fish, tuna and sharks, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag

Hard clams nei

Meretrix spp.

Thailand, United States

Fishery countries:
Thailand, United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • External feed is not provided to farmed clams.
  • There is little evidence available to support negative effects of escaped clams on ecosystems or wild populations.
  • Effluent may be released from the hatchery or nursery phases, but this is not considered to have any negative effects on the environment, and filter-feeding of clams during grow-out is often cited as improving water quality and/or nutrient cycling in the vicinity near farms. No chemicals are known to be used during the grow-out phase of clam culture in North America.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Farmed molluscan shellfish such as oysters and clams are not required to have GSSI certification as the environmental impact of their operations are generally positive.

References

Seafood Watch, Clams, Farmed

Species and Location

fishery flag

Indian squid

Loligo duvauceli

Kerala

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There's very little data on what's caught, but it's likely to include other at-risk species of squid as well as corals, forage fish, turtles and sharks.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • Squid plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

Fishery Progress, India Kerala shrimp and cephalopods - trawl

Seafood Watch, Indian squid, India, Eastern Indian Ocean, Western Indian Ocean, Bottom trawls

Species and Location

fishery flag

Japanese threadfin bream

Nemipterus japonicus

Western Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to marine mammals with this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed. Measures to protect vulnerable habitats such as cold water coral reefs are in place.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, India threadfin bream - trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Jonah crab

Cancer borealis

US Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
  • This fishery was in the Jonah Crab FIP from 2014-2017.

References

Gulf of Maine Research Institute, Jonah Crab Fishery Improvement Project

Species and Location

fishery flag

King mackerel

Scomberomorus cavalla

Gulf of Mexico

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered very low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Lake whitefish

Coregonus clupeaformis

Lake Erie

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Bycatch is minimal, but includes lake trout which could be of concern.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Longfin squid

Loligo pealeii

NW Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to marine mammals, sharks, and rays with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • There is some risk of bycatch by bottom trawl gear.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mahi-mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There are potential risks to turtles and sharks depending on gear type, but there is limited data.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is a risk, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mahi-mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Eastern Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Ecuador

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to turtles, sharks and seabirds with this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a significant risk for this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Ecuador mahi-mahi - longline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mahi-mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Eastern Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Peru

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to turtles, sharks and seabirds with this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a significant risk for this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Peru mahi-mahi - longline (WWF)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Malabar grouper

Epinephelus malabaricus

Makassar Strait - Flores Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia deepwater groundfish - dropline, longline, trap and gillnet

Species and Location

fishery flag

Nile tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

Honduras

Fishery countries:
Honduras

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • All fishmeal and fish oil is sourced from by-products.
  • Although the possibility for escape is considered high, the invasiveness factor is considered low given the prior establishment of the species. There is no current data or evidence indicating that tilapia cultured by Regal Springs, Honduras at their floating cage culture sites in Lake Yojoa and Lake Cajon are causing population declines in wild fish through the amplification and retransmission of pathogens or parasites. There is evidence that tilapia cage culture operations in Lake Yojoa and Lake Cajon attract or interact with predators or other wildlife, but the concern for wildlife and predator mortalities due to these operations is low.
  • There are moderate impacts from effluents beyond the farm boundaries. The government management system addresses the effluent water quality; however, there have been records of eutrophication and harmful phytoplankton blooms, which indicate that monitoring measures are not effective.
General Notes

Area-based approaches to aquaculture are included in the national and provincial legislation, but it is unclear whether zonal approaches to siting and production are used.

The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Good Fish Guide, Tilapia (Farmed), Global, ASC

Seafood Watch, Tilapia, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified

Species and Location

fishery flag

North Pacific hake

Merluccius productus

NE Pacific

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are potential interactions in this fishery with ETP species, like albatrosses, but studies suggest that hake fisheries are not a major source of mortality for black-footed albatrosses. Bycatch of Chinook salmon is subject to quota restrictions. Marine mammal interactions with species such as California sea lions, Steller sea lions, elephant seals, harbor seals, and Dall’s porpoise are rare.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern brown shrimp

Penaeus aztecus

NW Atlantic - US Federal

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There is potential for turtle interactions with this fishery, but excluder devices are fitted to nets for protection.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern pink shrimp

Penaeus duorarum

Northern Gulf of Mexico - Florida

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There is potential for turtle interactions with this fishery, but excluder devices are fitted to nets for protection.
  • Bycatch is a significant risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, US Gulf of Mexico northern pink shrimp - otter trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern quahog

Mercenaria mercenaria

US NW Atlantic Coast

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Miscellaneous

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern red snapper

Lutjanus campechanus

Northern Gulf of Mexico

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery catches a number of species that are depleted, experiencing overfishing, or both. Management is rated moderately effective overall, and measures to rebuild overfished stocks are in place.
  • Vertical lines have minimal to no impacts on the seafloor, and some measures are in place that may help to protect snappers' role in the ecosystem.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Seafood Watch, Red snapper, United States, Gulf of Mexico, Vertical lines

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern white shrimp

Penaeus setiferus

NW Atlantic - US Federal

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There is potential for turtle interactions with this fishery, but excluder devices are fitted to nets for protection.
  • Bycatch is a significant risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Ocean quahog

Arctica islandica

US Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Habitat impacts in this fishery are not fully understood.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Opalescent inshore squid

Loligo opalescens

Eastern Pacific

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • There is a lack of information on bycatch in this fishery.
  • This fishery has some negative habitat impacts.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.
  • This fishery is in MSC Full Assessment as of Oct 2022.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific cod

Gadus macrocephalus

Eastern Bering Sea

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific cupped oyster

Magallana gigas

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • No feed inputs are used to support farmed oysters.
  • The larval phase of oysters may be transported away from farm sites. The spread of non-native oysters and unintentionally introduced species beyond their natural range may be a cause for concern.
  • There is no concern regarding pollution from nutrients or organic matter. No feed or chemical inputs are used to support farmed oysters.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Seafood Watch, Oysters, Farmed

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific halibut

Hippoglossus stenolepis

NE Pacific - Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds with this fishery, but mitigation actions are underway.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Patagonian toothfish

Dissostichus eleginoides

South American - Chilean - Chile North 47ºS

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is a risk, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Peruvian calico scallop

Argopecten purpuratus

Peru

Fishery countries:
Peru

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • No feed inputs are used to support farmed scallops.
  • The larval phase of scallops may be transported away from farm sites. But, scallops are mostly farmed within their native range and pose little risk from escapes. Predator control methods used are low-impact and there is little risk of direct or accidental mortality of predators and other wildlife.
  • There is no concern regarding pollution from nutrients or organic matter as no feed or nutrient fertilization inputs are used to support farmed scallops.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute. Farmed molluscan shellfish such as oysters and clams are not required to have GSSI certification as the environmental impact of their operations are generally positive.

References

Seafood Watch, Scallops, Worldwide, Farmed

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Alaska - Southeast Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine
  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant.
  • There is no risk of bycatch for this fishery. Catches of other salmon species are accounted for in the pink salmon management.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes

References

Intertek Moody Marine, 2013, MSC Public Certification Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery.

SCS Global, April 2017, MSC Public Certification Report for Annette Islands Reserve Salmon Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Queen crab

Chionoecetes opilio

Eastern Bering Sea

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Queen crab

Chionoecetes opilio

NW Atlantic - S Gulf of St. Lawrence

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • ETP species potentially impacted by this fishery include several species of wolfish, leatherback turtles, and North Atlantic right whales (NARW), which are at serious risk. Mitigation measures are in place, but it is not possible yet to determine whether the measures undertaken are having significant effect on preventing detrimental NARW interactions.
  • This fishery is considered to be low impact with regard to bycatch of other species; however, availability of data is limited.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Canada Gulf of St. Lawrence snow crab - pot/trap

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Trout have a high requirement for fish in their diet.
  • Rainbow trout are not native to Chile but have become established in the wild due to intentional stocking. However, there are still concerns about the impact of farmed salmonid escapes and disease outbreaks on wild fish populations. Available data indicates that large numbers of farmed trout have escaped each year since the early 1990s.
  • Production using open net cages and ponds results in the discharge of waste and nutrients directly into the surrounding water.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

FishSource, Salmon, Chile

Seafood Watch, Rainbow trout, Chile, Farmed

Seafood Watch, Rainbow trout, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Salmon Standard

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Colombia

Fishery countries:
Colombia

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Data on the feed ingredients and sources are limited. Typical feed conversion ratios (FCR) of 1.35 for trout in raceways and 1.50 for net pens are used. Average fishmeal and fish oil inclusion levels in trout feeds are estimated to be 20.0% and 6.3% respectively. Information regarding the sustainability of the fishery sources of marine ingredients is very limited.
  • The risk of escapes from raceway systems in Colombia is considered low and net pen is considered moderate. Regulations in Colombia regarding interactions with wildlife at aquaculture facilities are minimal, and there is no clear enforcement. There is limited disease reporting in Colombia; raceways and net pens are open systems that have an inherent risk of disease transmission and amplification.
  • There is a lack of data on water quality, use of chemicals and effluent monitoring. While chemical use appears to be low, the legal system doesn’t adequately manage its use. Due to the openness of the net pens, there is a greater risk of affecting non‐target organisms.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Farmed Rainbow Trout, Colombia

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Norway

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Trout have a high requirement for fish in their diet.
  • Rainbow trout are not native to Norway. There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmonid escapes and disease outbreaks on wild fish populations. On average, 44,000 rainbow trout were registered escaped from Norwegian fish farms per year from 2010 to 2018. The most common cause of escapes are holes in the net. Fish farmers in Norway are legally obliged to report escapes.
  • Impacts on water quality depend on the farming method used. Production using open net cages and ponds results in the discharge of waste and nutrients directly into the surrounding water.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Føre, H.M. and Thorvaldsen, T., 2021, Causal analysis of escape of Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout from Norwegian fish farms during 2010–2018 - Aquaculture, Vol. 532, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2020.736002

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

United States

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Rainbow trout is fed a high energy diet with moderate amounts of fishmeal and fish oil (approximately 20% and 6%, respectively).
  • Potential escapes pose no significant risk of additional ecological impacts.
  • Regulatory oversight of effluent and chemical use in U.S. ponds and outdoor flowthrough raceways are strong, and the industry follows best practices to minimize disease.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Farmed Rainbow Trout, U.S.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red crab

Chaceon quinquedens

Southern New England/Mid Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Red crab is caught as a bycatch species.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red grouper

Epinephelus morio

Gulf of Mexico and NW Atlantic - Northern Gulf of Mexico

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles and marine mammals with this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red porgy

Pagrus pagrus

NW Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red swamp crawfish

Procambarus clarkii

Guadalquivir delta

Fishery countries:
Spain

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There is a lack of information on interactions with ETP species in this fishery. The only known significant impact with this fishery is the effect of the introduced crawfish species on the indigenous crawfish species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This is a freshwater fishery close to rice fields, so the habitat impact is very limited.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Spain crayfish (crawfish) - fyke nets & traps

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rock sole

Lepidopsetta bilineata

Gulf of Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Sheepshead

Archosargus probatocephalus

US Gulf of Mexico

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • In the Gulf of Mexico, Sheepshead is a minor component of the shrimp trawl bycatch.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Eastern Pacific Ocean - IATTC

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Associated purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles and marine mammals with this fishery, but management measures are in place.
  • Purse seine fisheries catch a number of fish and shark species, including mahi-mahi, wahoo, rainbow runner, sailfish and blue marlin, but management measures are in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Improvement Projects, Pacific Ocean tropical tuna - purse seine (US Pacific Tuna Group)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Japan

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are management measures for handling ETP species and non-target fish species, but more data is needed to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are management measures for handling ETP species and non-target fish species, but more data is needed to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Pacific Ocean tuna - longline (Cheng Hung Seafood Frozen Produce Co., Ltd.)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are management measures for handling ETP species and non-target fish species, but more data is needed to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Snappers nei

Lutjanus spp.

Aru Bay, Arafura Sea and Eastern of Timor Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia deepwater groundfish - dropline, longline, trap and gillnet

Species and Location

fishery flag

Sockeye salmon

Oncorhynchus nerka

Alaska - Southeast Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine
  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes

References

Intertek Moody Marine, 2013, MSC Public Certification Report for the Alaska Salmon Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Southern red snapper

Lutjanus purpureus

Brazil

Fishery countries:
Brazil

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • The interaction of this fishery with ETP species is unknown.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is a risk.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Northern Brazil Caribbean red snapper - pot/trap

Species and Location

fishery flag

Spot croaker

Leiostomus xanthurus

NW Atlantic Central

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Spotted rose snapper

Lutjanus guttatus

Costa Rica

Fishery countries:
Costa Rica

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Spotted weakfish

Cynoscion nebulosus

North Carolina and Virginia

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Striped bass

Morone saxatilis

US Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Summer flounder

Paralichthys dentatus

Northwest Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Swordfish

Xiphias gladius

North Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Swordfish

Xiphias gladius

Northeast Pacific

Fishery countries:
Ecuador

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • The catch of at-risk or overfished turtles, seabirds, tuna, sharks, and other species is a major concern. Management is rated ineffective overall. There are some measures to reduce bycatch impacts, but they don't follow best practices, and their effectiveness is unknown.
  • This fishery catches species that play an essential role in the food web, and more robust measures may be needed to protect the ecosystem.
  • Drifting longlines have minimal habitat impacts.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

References

Seafood Watch, Swordfish, Northeastern Pacific Ocean, Drifting longlines

Species and Location

fishery flag

Swordfish

Xiphias gladius

Southeast Pacific

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to ETP species including sea turtles and sea birds with this fishery.
  • Bycatch including billfish, tuna species, and sharks is a risk with this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Tilapias nei

Oreochromis spp.

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Tilapia require relatively low inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet. However, there are significant concerns about the sustainability of feed inputs from domestic sources, which are produced from fisheries that are fully exploited overexploited, or depleted.
  • There is little information available regarding impacts of Chinese tilapia production on wild species, including impacts from escapes, disease outbreaks, and interactions with predators and other wildlife. Nile tilapia are considered highly invasive and there are documented examples of tilapia populations outcompeting local fish species for resources in Chinese waterways. Despite this, there is no information on tilapia escapes at a farm level. In addition, there is little information about on-farm diseases in Chinese tilapia production and disease outbreaks pose a risk to wild fish populations. There is no information regarding interactions with wildlife which may include migrating birds.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. There is limited information regarding on-farm chemical use and the impact of effluent released by tilapia pond‐based farms in China. But there is evidence of the use of illegal chemicals and of antibiotics important to human health in Chinese tilapia production.
General Notes
  • Area-based approaches to aquaculture are included in the national and provincial legislation, but it is unclear whether zonal approaches to siting and production are used.
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

FishSource, Tilapia, China

Seafood Watch, Tilapia, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP 2, 3, 4-star

Species and Location

fishery flag

Tilapias nei

Oreochromis spp.

Honduras

Fishery countries:
Honduras

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • All fishmeal and fish oil is sourced from by-products.
  • Although the possibility for escape is considered high, the invasiveness factor is considered low given the prior establishment of the species. There is no current data or evidence indicating that tilapia cultured by Regal Springs, Honduras at their floating cage culture sites in Lake Yojoa and Lake Cajon are causing population declines in wild fish through the amplification and retransmission of pathogens or parasites. There is evidence that tilapia cage culture operations in Lake Yojoa and Lake Cajon attract or interact with predators or other wildlife, but the concern for wildlife and predator mortalities due to these operations is low.
  • There are moderate impacts from effluents beyond the farm boundaries. The government management system addresses the effluent water quality; however, there have been records of eutrophication and harmful phytoplankton blooms, which indicate that monitoring measures are not effective.
General Notes
  • Area-based approaches to aquaculture are included in the national and provincial legislation, but it is unclear whether zonal approaches to siting and production are used.
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Seafood Watch, Tilapia, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP 2, 3, 4-star

Species and Location

fishery flag

Vermilion snapper

Rhomboplites aurorubens

Gulf of Mexico and Western Central Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • There is a lack of information on bycatch in this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Warty swimming crab

Portunus haanii

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, China Fujian Zhangzhou red swimming crab - bottom trawl & pot/trap

Species and Location

fishery flag

Widow rockfish

Sebastes entomelas

US West Coast

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin sole

Limanda aspera

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • In terms of endangered, protected and threatened (ETP) species, this fishery recorded catches of big skate. Bottom trawling is prohibited in waters near rookeries and haulouts to protect Steller sea lions and walruses, as well as seasonally or permanently in extensive areas of the eastern Bering Sea to minimize bycatch and habitat impacts that might affect other fisheries in the region.

  • The most common bycatch by weight in the fishery is Alaska plaice, followed by rock sole, pollock, pacific cod, flathead sole, sculpins, arrowtooth flounder and skates. Special limitations on bottom trawling apply in several areas to avoid impacts to crab, herring, chum and Chinook salmon.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

MRAG Americas, 2015, MSC Public Certification Report for Bering Sea-Aleutian Islands Alaska Flatfish Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Atlantic Ocean - ICCAT

Fishery countries:
Senegal

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to ETP species including sea turtles, sharks, and marine mammals with this fishery.
  • Bycatch includes sharks, marlin and sailfish for this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Atlantic Ocean tuna - longline (StarKist)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch is considered low for this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia Western and Central Pacific Ocean yellowfin tuna - pole & line

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Cook Islands

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are management measures for handling ETP species, including protected sharks, marine turtles, sea birds, marine mammals.
  • Bycatch, including billfish, other tuna species, and sharks, is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Pacific Ocean tuna - longline (StarKist)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There is a risk to ETP species with this fishery. Longlines present a hazard to turtles, seabirds and sharks, but these risks can be reduced through proper management of fishing gear.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but the scale of the issue is not established.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Vietnam yellowfin tuna - longline/handline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowtail flounder

Limanda ferruginea

Newfoundland Grand Banks

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Effects of this fishery on endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species have not been reported. A number of sharks, rays and skates are classified as at risk on the IUCN Red List for the Northwest Atlantic. Some management measures for sharks are in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes cod and American plaice.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowtail flounder

Limanda ferruginea

Southern New England/Mid Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is assessed as low risk by our nonprofit science partner, Gulf of Maine Research Institute.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Biosecurity measures minimise disease outbreaks and escapes.
  • Chemical usage and effluent are monitored and limited.
General Notes
  • The government has adopted a farm-based approach to aquaculture regulations and licensing.

References

FishSource - Shrimp, China

Good Fish Guide - Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global, GAA BAP 4*

Good Fish Guide - Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global, GAA BAP 2 and 3*

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Farmed, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP Standard: Finfish and Crustacean Farms (2, 3, 4-star)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Honduras

Fishery countries:
Honduras

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • The use of wild fish in Honduran shrimp feed inputs is low.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern and is exacerbated by the practice of frequent water exchanges. Information on escapes from shrimp farms is limited. Whiteleg shrimp are native to Honduras, therefore lowering the environmental risk from escapes, however there is still potential for interbreeding with wild shrimp populations to result in reduced genetic fitness.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on farm practices including the frequency of waste discharge from ponds. Some farms have been found to exceed regulatory limits for waste discharge.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2/3* certification

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Farmed, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP Standard: Finfish and Crustacean Farms (2, 3, 4-star)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Indonesia

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Indonesia and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts of individual farms are likely to be small but cumulative impacts may occur.
General Notes
  • The Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MMAF) has developed a coastal and marine spatial plan that identifies multiple aquaculture zones, but there is no evidence that it has been implemented at a province level.

References

FishSource, Shrimp, India

Good Fish Guide - Prawns, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2 & 3* certified

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Farmed, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP 2, 3, 4-star

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

India

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to India and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Waste discharge from whiteleg shrimp ponds is typically limited to once per production cycle.
General Notes
  • The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach.
  • Shrimp farms are managed by the Coastal Aquaculture Authority through the Coastal Aquaculture Authority CAA Act and Guidelines, which acknowledge the importance of zonal management.

References

FishSource, Shrimp, India

Good Fish Guide - Prawns, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2 & 3* certified

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Farmed, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP 2, 3, 4-star

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Thailand

Fishery countries:
Thailand

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Thailand and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • Public information on zonal approaches to planning and production of shrimp farming in Thailand is limited.

References

FishSource - Shrimp, Thailand

Good Fish Guide - Prawns, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2 & 3* certified

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Farmed, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP 2, 3, 4-star

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates this risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Vietnam and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Waste discharge from whiteleg shrimp ponds is typically limited to once per production cycle, moderating the impact of effluents on water quality. There is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs, but evidence suggests that illegal antibiotics are sometimes used on Vietnamese shrimp farms.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach

References

FishSource - shrimp, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - Prawns, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2 & 3* certified

Good Fish Guide - Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certified

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP 2, 3, 4-star

Profile Download

ODP profiles from previous years are available to download as PDFs below.