Lidl GB

Since establishing itself in the UK in 1994, Lidl has experienced continuous growth in Great Britain and today has over 32,000 employees, over 960 stores and 14 distribution centres in England, Scotland and Wales. As part of the Schwarz retail group, Lidl is one of Europe’s leading organisations in the food retail industry. With a presence in over 31 countries around the world, the supermarket now has more than 12,200 stores globally. Responsible sourcing and sustainability are at the core of the company's daily operations, with a vision to 'make good food accessible to everyone', ensuring that all Lidl food is produced, sold and consumed in ways that benefit producers, people and the planet.

Number of Fisheries Used
Number of certified fisheries
Number of fisheries in a FIP
Number of farmed sources
Number of certified farmed sources

Number of Fisheries Used

60

Number of certified fisheries

45

Number of fisheries in a FIP

13

Number of farmed sources

16

Number of certified farmed sources

16

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

At Lidl, our principles of responsible fish and seafood sourcing are to ensure that the fish sold within our product range is sourced from the healthiest stocks possible, using the least destructive fishing methods, with high regard for both environmental and social standards. Safeguarding fish stocks for the future is an issue we are passionate about and we are proud of the progress we have made.

We recognise the importance of effective management in achieving sustainable fisheries and responsible farm operations. To date we have been committed to working with recognised certification schemes, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Global Gap, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to increase the amount of our chilled, frozen and canned fish products sourced from sustainably managed fisheries.

For over 10 years we have been working with our suppliers and wider industry partners to set our approach to responsible fish and seafood sourcing. This is outlined through our membership of the 'Sustainable Seafood Coalition', a progressive partnership of businesses cooperating to address important issues in fish and seafood sustainability. In recognition of the progress we have made in expanding our MSC certified product range, we received the 'Best Mid-Sized Retailer Award' from the MSC between 2016 and 2022, and in 2024 were awarded Bronze MSC UK Supermarket of the year and MSC UK marketing champion of the year.

As part of our ‘Sustainable Fish and Seafood Policy’ we have made the following commitments to responsible sourcing:

Wild-caught Fish & Seafood (excluding Tuna):

  • 100% of wild caught species must be sourced from MSC certified fisheries or sourced from a credible Fishery Improvement Project (FIP).
  • Any Nephrops norvegicus (Scampi) sourced for Lidl, must be sourced from within a credible FIP.

Tuna:

  • 100% of tuna products must be sourced responsibly using either:
    • Pole and line.
    • Purse seine fish aggregation device (FAD)-free fishing practices.
    • Credible FIP.
    • MSC certified.

Farmed Fish & Seafood:

  • 100% of farmed species must be sourced from BAP (2*), Global Gap or ASC certified sources.
  • Our deluxe farmed Scottish salmon must also be certified to RSPCA Assured standards.

More information on our sourcing policy can be found here.

This profile covers wild-caught and farmed products negotiated for Lidl in 2023.

Associated Fisheries

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Alaska pollock

Theragra chalcogramma

Aleutian Islands, E Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 1

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended

NOAA FSSI

4

NOAA FSSI

  • 0
  • 0.5
  • 1
  • 1.5
  • 2
  • 2.5
  • 3
  • 4
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on 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 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

Alaska pollock

Gadus chalcogrammus

Sea of Okhotsk

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have significant impacts on ETP species. But some impacts on Steller sea lions and Short-tailed albatross may occur. There are measures in place to avoid interactions with ETP species.
  • Bycatch of herring and juvenile pollock occurs in this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Alaska pollock

Gadus chalcogrammus

South-East Kamchatka

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have significant impacts on ETP species. But some impacts on Steller sea lions and Short-tailed albatross may occur. There are measures in place to avoid interactions with ETP species.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

United Certification Systems Limited, September 2021, East Kamchatka Alaska (Walleye) pollock mid-water trawl Public Certification Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Alaska pollock

Gadus chalcogrammus

W Bering Sea Navarinsky

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 1

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery may represent a conservation concern for sea lions and endangered seabirds, but only one ETP species (short-tailed albatross) was observed interacting with a trawl.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. There are several bycatch mitigation measures in place for the fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide, Alaska pollock, Bering Sea (West): Navarinsky, Net (pelagic trawl), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Species and Location

fishery flag

American lobster

Homarus americanus

Atlantic Canada

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • Interactions with ETP species are low. But entanglement in lobster gear presents a risk to marine mammals, in particular to the critically endangered North Atlantic Right whale. Management measures such as seasonal closures are in place to reduce the risk of interactions with the species.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Global Trust Certification, February 2021, Maritime Canada inshore lobster trap fishery Public Certification Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Argentine red shrimp

Pleoticus muelleri

Patagonian: Argentina offshore industrial

Fishery countries:
Argentina

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sharks, skates and rays with this fishery. The shrimp fishery lacks specific measures to reduce the incidence of interactions with ETP species.
  • The main bycatch species in this fishery is Argentine hake. Shrimp comprises around 87% of the catch and Argentine hake accounts for around 9%. Management measures are in place including area closures and the mandatory use of escape devices for juvenile hakes in shrimp nets. The Argentine hake population is stable and the shrimp fishery is not likely to have significant impacts.
  • Bottom trawls directly impact on the sea bed. But management measures are in place. Shrimp fishing vessels are required to use vessel monitoring systems. In addition, the fishing area has been mapped and any bycatch of benthic species is routinely monitored. Much of the sea bed where the fishery takes place is muddy or fine sand bottom.
General Notes

References

FisheryProgress - Argentina offshore red shrimp - bottom trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Argentine shortfin squid

Illex argentinus

SW Atlantic

Fishery countries:
Spain

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Needs Improvement

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • Interactions with ETP species in the trawl fishery have not been confirmed.
  • Discards represent an estimated 15-25% of the total catch.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. But the Spanish trawl fishery does not overlap with vulnerable marine ecosystems.
General Notes
  • This species 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 fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Faroe Islands, Greenland, Norway, Russia, Spain, United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
  • 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, including the use of area closures.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Catches of redfish (Sebastes mentella and S. norvegicus) in this fishery represent less than 6% of total catches of golden redfish in the area. But, scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
  • 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, including the use of area closures.
General Notes

References

DNV GL, 2020, Public Certification Report, Initial assessment of the Murmanseld 2 Barents Sea cod and haddock fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Blue skate and spiny dogfish have been recorded in the catch but catches of these ETP species are low and gear measures are in place to minimize mortality. There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Catches in this fishery represent less than 3% of catches of golden redfish in the area. But, scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
  • 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, including the use of area closures.
General Notes

References

Lloyd’s Register, September 2020, Arkhangelsk Trawl Fleet Norwegian & Barents Seas Cod, Haddock & Saithe, Public Certification Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained 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 cod

Gadus morhua

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Seine nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained 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 cod

Gadus morhua

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls. Catches of the endangered Northern wolffish represent a bigger concern for this fishery. Management measures are in place to reduce overall interactions with ETP species.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. The main bycatch species in this fishery are haddock, spotted wolffish and Patagonian squid. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained 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 cod

Gadus morhua

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets
  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Measures to record and reduce bycatch of marine mammals and sea birds in the gillnet and longline component of the fishery are needed.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
  • The impact depends on the gear type. Gillnets and longlines will have less impact on the sea bed than bottom trawls.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic cod, Iceland, Net (gill or fixed), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic cod, Iceland, Hook & line (longline), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Bycatch of the vulnerable spotted wolffish and beaked redfish is a concern.
  • 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 directly impact on the sea bed. However, the fishery operates at a depth where it is unlikely to impact vulnerable marine ecosystems.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic cod, Iceland, Bottom trawl (otter), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl
  • Seine nets
  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained. Bycatch species include wolffish and redfish. Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on retained species.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Global Trust Certification, December 2022, Public Certification Report ISF Iceland Cod Fishery (Reassessment)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic mackerel

Scomber scombrus

NE Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Needs Improvement

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species but mackerel plays an important role in the marine food web so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • Certification for this fishery was publicly suspended in March 2019 due to concerns regarding overfishing.
  • In response to the suspension of the fishery, a supply chain-led initiative called the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy (NAPA) Group was formed by retailers and processors in the UK, and has since expanded to include European retailers and processors. NAPA aims to develop a shared solution to sustainability issues in the North East Atlantic fisheries for mackerel, herring and blue whiting, and is seeking a formal agreement on catch limits for North East Atlantic Pelagic fisheries that reflects the scientific advice.
  • The fishery is now in an active FIP.

References

FisheryProgress, Northeast Atlantic Ocean mackerel and herring - hook & line, trawl, and purse seine.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Norway

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Salmon production relies on wild capture fisheries for feed. The sustainability of fisheries supplying fishmeal and fish oil varies.
  • There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. Escapes are a critical conservation concern in Production Areas 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In addition, concerns have been expressed about the impact on wild wrasse populations used as cleaner fish to control sea lice.
  • Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Norwegian salmon. The use of chemical pesticides has been reduced over the last five years but varies by Production Areas.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • The Norwegian salmon industry has adopted a zonal approach to aquaculture management for licensing and disease management through the use of 13 Production Areas nationwide.

References

FishSource - salmon, Norway

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic Salmon, Europe: Scotland and Norway, Open net pen, marine, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, December 2021, Atlantic Salmon, Norway, Marine Net Pens

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Norway

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Salmon production relies on wild capture fisheries for feed. The sustainability of fisheries supplying fishmeal and fish oil varies.
  • There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. Escapes are a critical conservation concern in Production Areas 3, 4, 8, 9, 10 and 11. In addition, concerns have been expressed about the impact on wild wrasse populations used as cleaner fish to control sea lice.
  • Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Norwegian salmon. The use of chemical pesticides has been reduced but varies by Production Areas.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • The Norwegian salmon industry has adopted a zonal approach to aquaculture management for licensing and disease management through the use of 13 Production Areas nationwide.

References:

FishSource - Salmon, Norway

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic salmon, Europe: Norway, All areas, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic salmon, Europe: Scotland and Norway, Open net pen, marine, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* and 3*

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic Salmon, Europe: Scotland, Norway and Faroe Islands, Open net pen, marine, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, December 2021, Atlantic Salmon, Norway, Marine Net Pens

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

United Kingdom

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed. Marine ingredients are sourced from fisheries that currently have no serious conservation concerns.
  • There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. In addition, concerns have been expressed about the impact on wild wrasse populations used as cleaner fish to control sea lice.
  • Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Scottish salmon. The use of chemical pesticides has declined over the last decade but varies by region.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • The industry follows a zonal approach to aquaculture management with respect to planning, siting, licensing, and operation.

References:

FishSource - salmon, United Kingdom

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic Salmon, Europe: UK, Scotland, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic salmon, Europe: Scotland and Norway, Open net pen, marine, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, December 2021, Atlantic Salmon, Scotland, Marine Net Pens

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

United Kingdom

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed. Marine ingredients are sourced from fisheries that currently have no serious conservation concerns.
  • There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. In addition, concerns have been expressed about the impact on wild wrasse populations used as cleaner fish to control sea lice.
  • Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Scottish salmon. The use of chemical pesticides has declined over the last decade but varies by region.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • The industry follows a zonal approach to aquaculture management with respect to planning, siting, licensing, and operation.

References:

FishSource - salmon, United Kingdom

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic Salmon, Europe: UK, Scotland, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic salmon, Europe: Scotland and Norway, Open net pen, marine, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* and 3*

Good Fish Guide - Atlantic salmon, Europe: Scotland, Norway, Faroe Islands, Open net pen, marine, GLOBALG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, December 2021, Atlantic Salmon, Scotland, Marine Net Pens

Species and Location

fishery flag

Cape hakes

Merluccius paradoxus, Merluccius capensis

Namibian coast

Fishery countries:
Namibia

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Interactions with seabirds may occur. Measures such as the use of streamer lines are required to minimise seabird bycatch but compliance is an issue.
  • Bycatch is a risk in this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. There are restrictions in place to prevent the footprint of the fishing area from expanding.
General Notes

References

Control Union, November 2020, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Public Certification Report for Namibia hake trawl and longline fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Chilean mussel

Mytilus chilensis

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
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

References

Good Fish Guide - Chilean mussel, Chile, Culture, bottom, Culture, suspension

Seafood Watch, August 2020, Marine Mussels, Mytilus spp, Perna spp., Worldwide, On and Off Bottom Culture

Seafood Watch Recommendations, Chilean mussel, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Bivalve Standard

Species and Location

fishery flag

Deep-water Cape hake

Merluccius capensis

South Africa

Fishery countries:
South Africa

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Previous concerns over interactions with seabirds have been mitigated using bird scaring lines and a reduction in fishing effort. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the extent of fishery interactions with some ETP species.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but there is a strategy in place for managing retained species. The estimated discard rate for the fishery is low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function.
General Notes

References
LLoyd's Register, 2021, MSC Public Certification Report for South Africa Hake Trawl Fishery - Third Reassessment

Species and Location

fishery flag

European seabass

Dicentrarchus labrax

Spain

Fishery countries:
Spain

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
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.
  • The EU has committed to zonal based management of aquaculture.

References:

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Gilthead Seabream, European Seabass and Meagre, European Union, Turkey, Egypt

Species and Location

fishery flag

European seabass

Dicentrarchus labrax

Turkey

Fishery countries:
Turkey

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
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:

FishSource - seabass/seabream, Turkey

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Good Fish Guide - Seabass, European Union and Turkey, Open net pen, marine, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, July 2020, Gilthead Seabream, European Seabass and Meagre, European Union, Turkey, Egypt

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Faroe Islands, Norway, Russia, United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
  • 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

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish. Scientific advice is to reduce the catch to zero tonnes.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
  • 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 fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway, Russia

Production Methods

  • Seine nets
  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • There are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fishery upon the endangered species, golden redfish, but most of the catch is taken by bottom trawls.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low. With some exceptions, all commercial species caught must be retained, recorded and landed.
  • Longlines are unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl
  • Seine nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Impacts will vary by gear type. Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Measures to protect vulnerable habitats such as cold water coral reefs are in place.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Interactions with seabirds and marine mammals may occur in the gillnet fishery. Some measures are in place to limit impacts.
  • An MSC condition is in place to improve information on bycatch in the gillnet fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Vottunarstofan Tún ehf., April 2017, MSC Public Certification Report for ISF Iceland Haddock Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species, although there is a risk of seabird entanglement.
  • 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

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
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

Vottunarstofan Tún ehf., April 2017, MSC Public Certification Report for ISF Iceland Haddock Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Indian squid

Loligo duvauceli

Kerala

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • The impact of the squid fishery on ETP species is unknown, however, bottom trawls in India are considered a threat to sharks and sea turtles.
  • There is a lack of information on bycatch in this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on 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

FisheryProgress - India Kerala shrimp and cephalopods - trawl

Seafood Watch, March 2020, Squid, India/Indian Ocean, Thailand/Western Central Pacific, Indonesia/Western Central Pacific Bottom trawls, Jig, Cast nets

Species and Location

fishery flag

Jumbo flying squid

Dosidicus gigas

SE Pacific

Fishery countries:
Peru

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Good Alternative

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

FisheryProgress - Peruvian jumbo flying squid - jig

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mussels

Mytilus spp

Shetland Islands and Scottish Mainland

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Miscellaneous

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 1

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch is not an issue for this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This is an enhanced fishery, which comprises a wild harvest (seed collection) followed by a grow-out phase.

References

LRQA, December 2022, Shetland and Scottish Mainland Rope Grown Mussel Enhanced Fishery Public Certification Report

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

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on ETP species.
  • 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 prawn

Pandalus borealis

Atlantic Canada

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • The only ETP species recorded in the catch are Atlantic wolffish, spotted wolffish and Northern wolffish. Annual catches are low and the shrimp fishery is unlikely to hinder their recovery.
  • Bycatch of non-target species is considered low and mitigation measures are in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. But, the fishery is considered highly unlikely to irreparably reduce habitat structure and function. Management measures are in place to limit impacts on vulnerable habitats.
General Notes
  • This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References
LRQA, June 2022, Canada Northern and Striped Shrimp MSC Public Certification Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern prawn

Pandalus borealis

Atlantic Canada: SFA 9 (Gulf of St Lawrence Anticosti)

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Bycatch of ETP species is low. This fishery interacts with spotted wolffish and northern wolffish, but the fishery is not thought to jeopardise survival or recovery of these two species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the seabed. It is thought unlikely that this fishery will cause serious harm to identified sensitive areas.
General Notes
  • Certification for this fishery was suspended in 2024 after the sourcing period.

References
Lloyds Register, March 2020, MSC Final Public Report for Gulf of St Lawrence Northern shrimp trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Northern prawn

Pandalus borealis

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Estonia, Faroe Islands, Norway

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Management measures are in place to limit catch of redfish, which may include the endangered species, golden redfish. While catches are low in this fishery, there are significant concerns about the cumulative impacts of the Barents Sea fisheries upon the golden redfish.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is low due to the use of Nordmøre sorting grids and other management measures.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function. Measures are in place to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.
General Notes
  • This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

DNV Business Assurance, January 2024, Public Certification Report Re-assessment for Norway North East Arctic cold water prawn

DNV Business Assurance, May 2024, Public Certification Report Re-assessment for Estonia North East Arctic cold water prawn

DNV Business Assurance, November 2024 Public Certification Report Re-assessment for FISF Faroe Islands North East Arctic cold water prawn

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern prawn

Pandalus borealis

Icelandic inshore and offshore

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species. While halibut is landed by the offshore fleet, regulations are in place to manage impacts on the species. No interactions with any other ETP species are thought to occur.
  • Management measures are in place to reduce impacts on bycatch species. The most commonly caught bycatch species are cod and Greenland halibut. Fishing area closures are implemented if catches of small redfish, cod or halibut exceed thresholds.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function.
General Notes
  • This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

DNV GL, October 2018, Public Certification Report for the Initial assessment of the ISF Iceland Northern shrimp fishery (inshore and offshore)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern prawn

Pandalus borealis

Western Greenland

Fishery countries:
Greenland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species. The fishery has reported catching a small number of the ETP bird species Thick-billed murre. Given the small number of interactions (four birds were reported caught between 2020 and 2022), the fishery is not thought to have significant detrimental effects.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is low due to the use of Nordmøre sorting grids and other management measures.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Measures are in place to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.
General Notes
  • This species plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

LRQA, January 2024, Public Certification Report for the West Greenland Coldwater prawn fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Aran grounds (FU 17)

Fishery countries:
Ireland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Avoid 5

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes anglerfish, haddock and whiting. Catches of whiting are a particular concern, though the area accounts for much smaller landings than other parts of the Celtic and Irish Seas. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented across the Irish fleet to reduce unwanted catch.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Some marine protected areas overlap with the fishing area.
General Notes

References

FisheryProgress - Ireland Area 7 prawn - trawl

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Aran, Galway Bay and Slyne Head (FU 17), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project: Stage 3

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Botney Gut- Silver Pit (FU 5)

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch includes cod, haddock and whiting. Management measures are in place, including a national cod avoidance plan.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures including areas closures are in place. Some marine protected areas overlap with these fishing areas.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Botney Cut to Silver Pit (FU 5), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Project UK - Nephrops

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Celtic sea (FU 20-21)

Fishery countries:
Ireland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Celtic Sea cod is a particular concern. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented across around half of the Irish fleet to reduce unwanted catch.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress - Ireland Area 7 prawn - trawl

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Labadie, Jones and Cockburn (FU 20-21), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Celtic Sea, Bristol Channel (FU 22)

Fishery countries:
Ireland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Celtic Sea cod is a particular concern. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented across around half of the Irish fleet to reduce unwanted catch.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress - Ireland Area 7 prawn - trawl

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Celtic Sea - The Smalls (FU 22), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Fladen Ground (FU 7); Moray Firth (FU 9); Noup (FU 10)

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch includes cod, haddock and whiting. Management measures are in place, including a national cod avoidance plan. Norway lobster caught in the Noup is considered bycatch in another fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, some management measures are in place. Marine protected areas overlap with some of these fishing areas.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Fladen Ground (FU 7), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Moray Firth (FU 9), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Noup (FU 10), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Project UK - Nephrops

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Irish Sea East (FU 14)

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Needs Improvement

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Irish Sea cod and whiting is a particular concern. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented to try to reduce unwanted catch.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. Although the fishing area overlaps with a marine conservation zone, no management measures are in place to control fishing in the area.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Irish Sea East (FU 14), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project: Stage 4

Project UK - Nephrops

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Irish Sea West (FU 15)

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Needs Improvement

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Irish Sea cod and whiting is a particular concern.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Irish Sea West (FU 15), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Project UK - Nephrops

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

North Minch (FU 11); South Minch (FU 12); West of Scotland, Firth of Clyde, and Sound of Jura (FU 13)

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Needs Improvement

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch includes cod, haddock and whiting. Management measures are in place, including a national cod avoidance plan and more selective gears have been implemented to try to reduce unwanted catch.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, some management measures are in place. Marine protected areas overlap with some of these fishing areas, though not all have management measures in place to control fishing.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, North Minch (FU 11), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, South Minch (FU 12), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Firth of Clyde and Sound of Jura (FU 13), Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Project UK - Nephrops

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

South and South West of Ireland (FU 19)

Fishery countries:
Ireland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Sharks, skates, and rays may be caught in this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. Bycatch of Celtic Sea cod is a particular concern. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented across the Irish fleet to try to reduce unwanted catch.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, some management measures are in place. Marine protected areas overlap with some of these fishing areas, though not all have management measures in place to control fishing.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress - Ireland Area 7 prawn - trawl

Good Fish Guide - Scampi or langoustine, Ireland SW and SE coast (FU 19): All areas, Bottom trawl (otter), Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific cod

Gadus macrocephalus

Aleutian Islands

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended

NOAA FSSI

1.5

NOAA FSSI

  • 0
  • 0.5
  • 1
  • 1.5
  • 2
  • 2.5
  • 3
  • 4
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 considered low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Pacific cod, Aleutian Islands, Bottom trawl (otter), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Seafood Watch, Pacific cod, United States (Alaska), Northwest / Northeast Pacific Ocean; Longlines, Pots, Bottom trawls; Marine Stewardship Council Certified BSAI and GOA Pacific cod

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific cod

Gadus macrocephalus

Eastern Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended

NOAA FSSI

4

NOAA FSSI

  • 0
  • 0.5
  • 1
  • 1.5
  • 2
  • 2.5
  • 3
  • 4
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 considered low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Pacific cod, Bering Sea, Bottom trawl (otter), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Good Fish Guide - Pacific cod, Gulf of Alaska, Bottom trawl (otter), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Seafood Watch, Pacific cod, United States (Alaska), Northwest & Northeast Pacific Ocean; Longlines, Pots, Bottom trawls; Marine Stewardship Council Certified BSAI and GOA Pacific cod

Species and Location

fishery flag

Patagonian scallop

Zygochlamys patagonica

Argentine

Fishery countries:
Argentina

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Catches of the ETP species spiny dogfish have been reported in this fishery but management measures are in place to limit impacts on sharks, skates and rays.
  • Bycatch species are data-deficient and there is a lack of recent information regarding the composition of catches in this fishery. Some management measures are in place, including the use of area closures.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place, including the use of area closures to protect vulnerable habitats.
General Notes

References
Organización Internacional Agropecuaria S.A. (OIA), June 2023, Public Certification Report Patagonian Scallop Bottom Otter Trawl Fishery in Argentine Sea

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Alaska - Bristol Bay, Copper/Bering Districts, Kotzebue, Kuskokwim, Norton Sound, Yakutat, Yukon River

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
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
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Alaska - Cook Inlet, Kodiak, Prince William Sound, Southeast Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
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
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Alaska - Chignik, Kodiak, Lower Cook Inlet, Peninsula/Aleutian Islands, Prince William Sound, Upper Cook Inlet

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
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
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

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

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
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

SCS Global Services, 2022, MSC Fishery Assessment Report Annette Islands Reserve Salmon Fishery Public Certification Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Alaska - Southeast Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
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
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Alaska - Westward Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
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
MRAG Americas, April 2019, MSC 3rd Reassessment Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Russia

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Purse seine
  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Russia - Iturup Island Sakhalin

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Purse seine
  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • While interactions with marine mammals have been documented in this fishery, entanglement in fishing gear is unlikely, and the impact on ETP species is not thought to be significant. Overall, few ETP species are present in the fishery area.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. Salmon species account for the majority of the catch. No significant bycatch of seabirds has been observed but there is a risk that some entanglement of seabirds in the fishing gear may occur.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes

References
SCS Global Services, February 2021, MSC Public Certification Report for Iturup Pink & Chum Salmon Fisheries

Species and Location

fishery flag

Queen scallop

Aequipecten opercularis

Faroese waters

Fishery countries:
Faroe Islands

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species. While marine mammals and seabirds are present in the fishing area, no interactions with the fishery have been recorded.
  • A small amount of cod is caught by the fishery, as well as invertebrates such as crab, sea urchin, and starfish. Impacts on bycatch species are thought to be negligible.
  • Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed but the fishery is considered highly unlikely to reduce the structure and function of commonly encountered habitats to a point where there would be serious or irreversible harm.
General Notes

References

DNV GL, July 2022, Faroe Islands queen scallop Public Certification Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow trout, Steelhead trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Scotland

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Trout have a high requirement for fish in their diet.
  • Escapes are unlikely to have a significant impact on wild trout populations.
  • 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

Good Fish Guide, Rainbow trout, Europe: Norway, Turkey, UK, Open net pen, marine, GLOBALG.A.P.

Good Fish Guide, Rainbow trout, Europe: Norway, Turkey, UK, Pond, freshwater, GLOBALG.A.P.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Shallow-water Cape hake

Merluccius capensis

South Africa

Fishery countries:
South Africa

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Previous concerns over interactions with seabirds have been mitigated using bird scaring lines and a reduction in fishing effort. However, there is still a lack of knowledge regarding the extent of fishery interactions with some ETP species.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but there is a strategy in place for managing retained species. The estimated discard rate for the fishery is low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed, however, this fishery is considered highly unlikely to have an irreversible impact on habitat structure and function.
General Notes

References
LLoyd's Register, 2021, MSC Public Certification Report for South Africa Hake Trawl Fishery - Third Reassessment

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
South Korea

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sharks, sea turtles, and marine mammals with purse seine gear. But certified fleets have implemented additional mitigation measures to reduce impacts on ETP species.
  • Bycatch is a risk in purse seine fisheries. FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine gear result in less bycatch than associated fisheries. Bycatch for this fishery includes other tuna, billfishes and sharks.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Skipjack tuna, Western and Central Pacific, Net (purse seine on aggregating devices or free-schooling fish), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Striped catfish

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Small inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are required. Feed inputs are not required to be certified as sustainable or responsibly sourced.
  • Pangasius is native to the Mekong and therefore escaped fish are unlikely to have direct impacts on local ecosystems. However, the effects of disease on pangasius farms upon wild fish populations is unknown. Juveniles used in pangasius farming come from Vietnamese hatcheries and the trade of wild-caught broodstock is limited.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter occurs on a relatively small scale when compared to the wider nutrient load in the Mekong. Nevertheless, the cumulative input of effluent from pond water exchange and the disposal of pond sludge contributes to the region's pollution problem. The improper disposal of sludge waste from pond bottoms is especially problematic. Environmental issues are mitigated by the certification standards but discharge limits need improvement. Chemical inputs to Vietnamese pangasius culture are high and there are concerns about the use of antibiotics important to human health.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • The government requires pangasius farms to be managed under a zonal approach.

References:

FishSource - Pangasius, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - Basa (Pangasius bocourti & Pangasius hypophthalmus), Global, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, February 2014, Pangasius, Vietnam, Ponds, Updated June 2021

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for farmed pangasius, Vietnam, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified

Species and Location

fishery flag

Striped catfish

Pangasianodon hypophthalmus

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Good Fish Guide

Best Choice 2

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Small inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are required. Feed inputs are not required to be certified as sustainable or responsibly sourced.
  • Pangasius is native to the Mekong and therefore escaped fish are unlikely to have direct impacts on local ecosystems. However, the effects of disease on pangasius farms upon wild fish populations is unknown. Juveniles used in pangasius farming come from Vietnamese hatcheries and the trade of wild-caught broodstock is limited.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter occurs on a relatively small scale when compared to the wider nutrient load in the Mekong. Nevertheless, the cumulative input of effluent from pond water exchange and the disposal of pond sludge contributes to the region's pollution problem. The improper disposal of sludge waste from pond bottoms is especially problematic. Environmental issues are mitigated by the certification standards but discharge limits need improvement. Chemical inputs to Vietnamese pangasius culture are high and there are concerns about the use of antibiotics important to human health.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • The government requires pangasius farms to be managed under a zonal approach.

References:

FishSource - Pangasius, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - Basa (Pangasius bocourti & Pangasius hypophthalmus), Global, GlobalG.A.P.

Seafood Watch, February 2014, Pangasius, Vietnam, Ponds, Updated June 2021

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Ecuador

Fishery countries:
Ecuador

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Information on escapes is limited. Shrimp farmed in Ecuador are raised from hatchery-raised native broodstock, therefore lowering the risk to wild shrimp populations if interbreeding does occur, however, interbreeding may still 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.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • The government has adopted a farm-based approach to aquaculture regulations and licensing.

References

FishSource - Shrimp, Ecuador

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4*

Seafood Watch, March 2021, Whiteleg shrimp, Ecuador, Semi-intensive Ponds

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

India

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
  • 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 but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
  • 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. The use of antibiotics important to human health and continued use of illegal antibiotics is a concern.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • 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 - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2* and 3*

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4*

Seafood Watch, October 2021, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, India, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide,
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

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Indonesia and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality and cumulative impacts across a region may occur. The use of antibiotics important to human health and continued use of illegal antibiotics is a concern.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.
  • Legislation on zonal planning that is relevant to aquaculture does exist. The government has produced a coastal and marine spatial plan that identifies multiple aquaculture zones.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Indonesia

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, December 2015, Giant Tiger Prawn, Whiteleg Shrimp, Indonesia, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Litopeneaus vannamei

Mexico

Fishery countries:
Mexico

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern. Some evidence suggests that shrimp farms in Mexico have high water exchange rates, increasing the risk of disease transfer and escapes occurring. Whiteleg shrimp are native to the Pacific coast of Mexico, but the industry uses broodstock that are genetically distinct from wild shrimp and the potential for genetic impacts on wild populations is unclear.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Frequent waste discharge from ponds has been connected to cumulative impacts on water quality in shrimp farming areas in Mexico. There is limited information regarding on-farm chemical use or shrimp farm effluent, but evidence suggests that antibiotics important to human health are used in production.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Farmed, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certification

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certification for Whiteleg shrimp

Seafood Watch, March 2021, Whiteleg shrimp, Mexico, Ponds

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
  • 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 escape but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Intensive shrimp farms with higher nutrient inputs produce more waste and are associated with greater concerns around pollution. The use of antimicrobials important to human health and evidence of continued use of illegal antimicrobials is a concern.
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 - King prawn, Asia: Vietnam, India and Indonesia, Pond, semi-intensive and intensive

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Pond, freshwater, Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Shrimp Standard

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Eco-Certification Recommended

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. Certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed. But there is little transparency on the ingredients used in feed across the sector.
  • 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 escape but there is no evidence of the species becoming established in the wild.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Intensive shrimp farms with higher nutrient inputs produce more waste and are associated with greater concerns around pollution. The use of antimicrobials important to human health and evidence of continued use of illegal antimicrobials is a concern.
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 - King prawn, Global, Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 2-3*

Good Fish Guide - King prawn, Global, Global Aquaculture Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices (GAA BAP) 4* certification

Seafood Watch, January 2023, Whiteleg Shrimp, Giant Tiger Prawn, Vietnam, Ponds

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg shrimp, Worldwide, Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) Certified

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Seafood Watch

Avoid

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Potential impacts on ETP species vary by gear type. Longline gear presents the greatest risk to vulnerable species such as sharks, sea turtles, and seabirds. Handline and trolling can have some bycatch of sharks.
  • The level of bycatch varies by gear type. Bycatch is a significant risk in Indian Ocean longline fisheries. Handline and trolling can have some bycatch.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Yellowfin tuna, Indian Ocean, Hook & line (handline)

Good Fish Guide - Yellowfin tuna, Indian Ocean, Hook & line (longline)

Good Fish Guide - Yellowfin tuna, Indian Ocean, Hook & line (troll)

Profile Download

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