Sainsbury's

Offering delicious great quality food at competitive prices has been at the heart of what we do since John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury opened our first store in 1869. Today, inspiring and delighting our customers with tasty food remains our priority and our purpose is clear - driven by our passion for food, together we serve and help every customer.

Number of wild caught species used
% volume from certified fisheries
% volume from uncertified fisheries
Number of farmed species used
% volume from certified farms

Number of wild caught species used

37

% volume from certified fisheries

80

% volume from uncertified fisheries

20

Number of farmed species used

7

% volume from certified farms

100

Production Methods Used
    • Midwater trawl
    • Bottom trawl
    • Dredge
    • Purse seine
    • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine
    • Seine nets
    • Lift nets
    • Gillnets and entangling nets
    • Hook and line
    • Longlines
    • Handlines and pole-lines
    • Pots and traps
    • Miscellaneous
    • Farmed
Summary

Sainsbury’s has a long standing commitment to responsible sourcing of fish and seafood having introduced our sourcing policies in 2006. We aim to source all our fish and seafood from fisheries and farming operations which have been independently certified as sustainable and as such are the UK’s leading retailer of Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified sustainable fish with over 80% of our wild caught seafood range certified and carrying the ecolabel / chain of custody on pack. We are working with our suppliers and fishery stakeholders to move the remaining 20% or so towards certification through structured fishery improvement projects where required. All of our farmed seafood is certified to at least one of the following recognised standards – ASC, GAA BAP, GlobalG.A.P. or organic standard.

In 2020 we were recognised as MSC Supermarket of the Year for the sixth time in seven years.

We also work collaboratively with other organisations to ensure ongoing sustainability of seafood producing systems including OceanMind, a not for profit business which specialises in fisheries compliance, to implement processes using satellite derived fishing vessel data and other fishery specific data which provide further assurance of the legality of fishing operations supplying our business, focussing initially on our canned tuna from the Western Central Pacific Ocean. You can find out more about our work with OceanMind here: https://www.oceanmind.global/seafood/

Sainsbury’s are also active participants in the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability which aims to provide a global network of interoperable digital traceability systems coupled with appropriate data verification mechanisms (such as improved visibility of government monitoring and enforcement measures). We are members of the Sustainable Seafood Coalition, the Global Tuna Alliance, Global Ghost Gear Initiative and the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group and have partnered with Sustainable Fisheries Partnership since 2008.

Sainsbury's also participated in SFP's bycatch audit program. Summary results can be found here: Bycatch Audit of Sainsbury’s Wild Supply Chain.

We hold positions on the Boards of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council and Fisheries Innovation Scotland as well as the Advisory Board of ARCH UK and DEFRA Seafood 2040 Seafood Industry Leadership Group.

This profile covers the sourcing period from March to December 2020.

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 PET 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

Theragra chalcogramma

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

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
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on PET 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

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

North Pacific

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • 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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

American lobster

Homarus americanus

Georges Bank and Off-Shore Nova Scotia

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • 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
  • Direct effects of the fishery on PET species are thought likely to be low. While entanglement in lobster gear presents a risk to marine mammals, especially North Atlantic right whales, no entanglements of right whales were reported in the MSC public certification report.
  • Measures are in place to prevent fishing from hindering the recovery and rebuilding of the main bycatch species.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Intertek, 2015, MSC Public Certification Report for Eastern Canada Offshore Lobster Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

American lobster

Homarus americanus

Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • 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
Environmental Notes
  • There are potential risks to PET species with this fishery, but mitigation actions are underway.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Angler

Lophius piscatorius

Southern Celtic Sea and Bay of Biscay

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom 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
Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sharks, skates and rays with this fishery. Occasional interactions with marine mammals occur.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress - UK monkfish - gillnet/trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Argentine anchovy

Engraulis anchoita

North of 41°S to Santa Catarina

Fishery countries:
Argentina

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

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Occasional interactions with seabirds and marine mammals are known to occur within this fishery, but data is too limited to state whether this hinders their recovery. An MSC condition is in place to provide evidence of effects on PET 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

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl
  • Seine nets
  • Hook and line

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
  • Catch of the endangered species golden redfish is a concern. Although catch of the species in this fishery is very low, cumulative impacts across fisheries operating in the region may occur.
  • 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.
General Notes

References

DNV GL, 2015, Re-Assessment Report: MSC Public Certification Report for the Norway North East Arctic 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

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 PET species.
  • 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. MSC conditions and recommendations are in place to strengthen understanding of fishery interactions with sensitive habitat.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic cod

Gadus morhua

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl
  • Seine nets
  • Hook and line

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
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on PET species.
  • 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. Bottom trawls will have the greatest impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag

Atlantic herring

Clupea harengus

North Sea Autumn spawners

Fishery countries:
Denmark, United Kingdom

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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic mackerel

Scomber scombrus

NE Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

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 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
  • There are risks to PET species with this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • 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.

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

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, but inputs often come from IFFO RS-certified sources. Algal oil is being used as a sustainable alternative to wild fish oils. Insect meal is being used in some feeds as a marine protein alternative. The increase in use for both novel ingredients is being encouraged.
  • 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.
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:

Good Fish Guide - Salmon, Atlantic (Farmed), Scotland, Norway and Faroe Islands, GLOBALG.A.P. certification

Seafood Watch report for farmed salmon, Scotland

FishSource - salmon, United Kingdom

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue grenadier

Macruronus novaezelandiae

New Zealand Eastern, New Zealand Western

Fishery countries:
New Zealand

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
  • There are risks to seabirds with this fishery. It is unlikely to have an unacceptable level of impacts on PET species, but the cumulative impact with other fisheries should be monitored.
  • Bycatch of species not managed under the Quota Management System is low and management controls are in place to reduce bycatch and discards.
  • Midwater trawls may have an occasional but cumulative impact.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue grenadier

Macruronus novaezelandiae

New Zealand Eastern, New Zealand Western

Fishery countries:
New Zealand

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
Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds with this fishery. It is unlikely to have an unacceptable level of impacts on PET species, but the cumulative impact with other fisheries should be monitored.
  • Bycatch of species not managed under the Quota Management System is low and management controls are in place to reduce bycatch and discards.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue mussel

Mytilus edulis

Limfjord

Fishery countries:
Denmark

Production Methods

  • Dredge

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 PET species.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed. An MSC condition is in place to assess the impact of mussel dredges on the sea floor.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue mussel

Mytilus edulis

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

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

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET 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

Acoura Marine, 2017, MSC Public Certification Report for Shetland and Scottish Mainland Rope Grown mussel Enhanced fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Common edible cockle

Cerastoderma edule

Limfjord

Fishery countries:
Denmark

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Common sole

Solea solea

Celtic Sea

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

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
  • This fishery occasionally takes small, demersal sharks and skate as bycatch.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. The bottom trawl gear used is not very selective and the fishery catches a variety of mixed demersal finfish, including undersized plaice.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Sole, Dover sole, Common sole, Beam trawl, Celtic Sea, Bristol Channel

Good Fish Guide - Sole, Dover sole, Common sole, Demersal otter trawl, Celtic Sea, Bristol Channel

Species and Location

fishery flag

Common sole

Solea solea

Celtic Sea South

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Think 4

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • There is no information on the impact of this fishery on PET species.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. The bottom trawl gear used is not very selective and the fishery catches a variety of mixed demersal finfish, including undersized plaice.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Sole, Dover sole, Common sole, Beam trawl, Celtic Sea South, southwest of Ireland

Species and Location

fishery flag

Common sole

Solea solea

Eastern English Channel

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • There is no information on the impact of this fishery on PET species.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. The bottom trawl gear used is not very selective and the fishery catches a variety of mixed demersal finfish, including undersized plaice.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Sole, Dover sole, Common sole, Beam trawl, English Channel (East)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Common sole

Solea solea

Western English Channel

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

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
  • Pink sea fan and other coral species, as well as skates and rays, may be affected by bottom trawling in this area.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery. The bottom trawl gear used is not very selective and the fishery catches a variety of mixed demersal finfish, including undersized plaice.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Sole, Dover sole, Common sole, Beam trawl, English Channel (West)

Good Fish Guide - Sole, Dover sole, Common sole, Demersal otter trawl, English Channel (West)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Deep-water Cape hake

Merluccius paradoxus

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
  • There are risks to seabirds with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place. An MSC condition is in place to gather information on fishery impacts on bird species.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. An MSC condition is in place to investigate options for protecting benthic habitats.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Edible crab

Cancer pagurus

Orkney

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles and marine mammals of entanglement in pot ropes with this fishery, although the significance of this risk is unknown.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low. Non-target species are usually released alive.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

European anchovy

Engraulis encrasicolus

Bay of Biscay

Fishery countries:
Spain

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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 PET species.
  • Measures are in place to prevent fishing from hindering the recovery and rebuilding of the main bycatch species.
  • 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.

References

Bureau Veritas, April 2020, MSC Public Certification Report for Cantabrian Sea Purse Seine Anchovy Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

European anchovy

Engraulis encrasicolus

Northern Adriatic Sea

Fishery countries:
Italy

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Needs Improvement

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Good Alternative

Seafood Watch

  • Eco-Certification Recommended
  • Best Choice
  • Good Alternative
  • Avoid
Environmental Notes
  • Bycatch of marine mammals is reported to occur in the European anchovy pelagic fisheries but information on impacts is limited.
  • Other small pelagic species are caught as bycatch.
  • 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.

References

Seafood Watch Report for Atlantic sardine and European anchovy - Mediterranean and Black Seas: Pelagic Trawl and Purse seine, February 2014

Species and Location

fishery flag

European hake

Merluccius merluccius

NE Atlantic northern stock

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

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

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • The impact depends on the gear type. Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

ME Certification, July 2018, MSC Expedited Assessment Public Certification Report for SFSAG North Sea haddock

Species and Location

fishery flag

European pilchard

Sardina pilchardus

Bay of Biscay, Southern Celtic Seas and English Channel

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

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
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET 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

European pilchard

Sardina pilchardus

NW Africa southern

Fishery countries:
Morocco

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • Available data is still limited, but work is underway in the Moroccan FIP to determine fishery interactions with PET species.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low, but available data is still limited. Work is in progress in the Moroccan FIP to identify and quantify discards.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

European plaice

Pleuronectes platessa

Eastern English Channel

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

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
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species. However, available information is limited.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Good Fish Guide - Plaice, beam trawl, Eastern Channel

Species and Location

fishery flag

European plaice

Pleuronectes platessa

Eastern English Channel

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Seine nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

European plaice

Pleuronectes platessa

Irish Sea

Fishery countries:
Ireland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

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
  • There is no information available on the impact of this fishery on PET species.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the seabed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

European plaice

Pleuronectes platessa

North Sea and Skagerrak

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

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
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

European plaice

Pleuronectes platessa

Western English Channel

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

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
  • There are risks to PET species with this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

European seabass

Dicentrarchus labrax

Turkey

Fishery countries:
Turkey

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

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:

Good Fish Guide - Bass, seabass (Farmed), Europe, GLOBALG.A.P. certified

Good Fish Guide - Bass, seabass (Farmed), Europe, ASC certified

Seafood Watch report for farmed European sea bass and Gilthead sea bream, Mediterranean Sea

Species and Location

fishery flag

Gilthead seabream

Sparus aurata

Turkey

Fishery countries:
Turkey

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Bream 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.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter are a concern with open net pens. But impacts from effluent are localized. Chemical inputs are only used for health management and are applied in a controlled manner. Reports indicate responsible use, but there is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs.
General Notes

The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification

References:

Good Fish Guide - Bream, Gilthead (Farmed), Europe, GlobalGAP certified

Good Fish Guide - Bream, Gilthead (Farmed), Europe, ASC certified

Seafood Watch report for European Sea bass and Gilthead Seabream, Mediterranean Sea

Species and Location

fishery flag

Great Atlantic scallop

Pecten maximus

East Coast England, East Coast Scotland, Orkney

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Great Atlantic scallop

Pecten maximus

Eastern English Channel, Western English Channel

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Improver 5

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sharks, skates and rays with this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed, but gear and effort restrictions are in place to reduce impacts.
General Notes

References
Good Fish Guide - King scallop, English Channel (East)

Good Fish Guide - King scallop, English Channel (West)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Great Atlantic scallop

Pecten maximus

NE Scotland, NW Scotland

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Needs Improvement

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to PET species with these fisheries.
  • Bycatch is a risk for these fisheries.
  • Dredges will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl
  • Seine nets
  • Hook and line

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
  • Gear specific information on interactions with PET species is limited, but an MSC condition is in place to address this.
  • MSC conditions are in place to assess the impact of the fishery on bycatch species.
  • The impact depends on the gear type. Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
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

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 PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Lloyd's Register, September 2019, MSC 3rd Surveillance Report for Barents Sea cod, haddock and saithe fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

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

Ocean Wise

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • 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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

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 PET 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

Northern shelf

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

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

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • Conditions are in place for the certified fleet to reduce impacts on PET and bycatch species.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but management measures are in place to reduce impacts.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. But, the fishery is considered highly unlikely to irreparably reduce habitat structure and function.
General Notes
  • As a mixed fishery, the effects of management measures on other species need to be considered within an ecosystem context.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Japanese flying squid

Todarodes pacificus

East China Sea and Japan Sea

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There is no information on the impact of this fishery on protected, endangered and threatened (PET) species.
  • Information on bycatch is not available for this fishery.
  • The midwater trawl fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed, however, the combined impacts from the multi-gear fishery are unknown.
General Notes

There is a lack of information on stock status and mortality rates for Japanese flying squid in Chinese waters.

References

Fishery Progress, East China Sea and Yellow Sea Japanese flying squid - trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Lemon sole

Microstomus kitt

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

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
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Lemon sole is caught as bycatch in a multispecies fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed but an MSC condition is in place to implement management measures for vulnerable marine habitats.
General Notes

References

Vottunarstofan Tún ehf., January 2019, MSC Public Certification Report for ISF Iceland Lemon Sole Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag

Lemon sole

Microstomus kitt

North Sea, Skagerrak and Kattegat, and Eastern English Channel

Fishery countries:
Netherlands, United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • There is insufficient information available to assess risks to PET species in this fishery.
  • This fish is caught as a bycatch species in mixed fisheries.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Nile tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus

Indonesia

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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
  • Tilapia require relatively low inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet.
  • Tilapia has been introduced into Indonesian waterbodies, resulting in the establishment of resident populations. However, farm escapees may place additional pressure on native wild populations. The use of open net pens means that the risk of disease transfer to wild fish populations is relatively high.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. There is limited information regarding on-farm chemical use and the impact of effluent released by tilapia farms in Indonesia. Cumulative impacts may occur.
General Notes

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

Although there is extensive legislation referencing area and zonal approaches to aquaculture planning and management, the tilapia farming industry still appears focused on farm-based approaches.

References:

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

Seafood Watch report for farmed tilapia, Indonesia

FishSource - Tilapia, Indonesia

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern prawn

Pandalus borealis

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
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 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 PET species.
  • Bycatch in this fishery is considered low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed but the fishery is considered unlikely to cause serious and irreversible harm to habitats.
General Notes
  • This fish plays an important role in the marine food web and so potential impacts on the wider marine ecosystem must be monitored.

References

DNG GL, 2018, Public Certification Report for the Re-assessment of the Norway North East Arctic cold water prawn fishery

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 PET species. While halibut is landed by the offshore fleet, regulations are in place to manage impacts on the species. No interactions with any other PET 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.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern prawn

Pandalus borealis

Atlantic Canada: SFAs 1, 4-6, 8-10, 12-15

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
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low and mitigation measures are in place.
  • 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

Acoura Marine, October 2016, MSC Public Certification Report for Canada Northern and Striped Shrimp Fishery

Lloyd's Register, November 2020, MSC Public Certification Report for the Canada Scotian Shelf Northern Prawn Trawl and Trap

Lloyd's Register, April 2020, MSC Public Certification Report for Gulf of St Lawrence Northern Shrimp Trawl

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 impact 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

Seafood Watch, Pacific whiting, United States, Northeast Pacific Ocean, Midwater trawls, Marine Stewardship Council Certified Pacific hake mid-water trawl Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Fladen Ground

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

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 PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes cod, haddock and whiting. Mitigation measures, including the use of more selective gears, have been implemented to reduce unwanted catch.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress - UK Norway lobster - bottom trawl and creel

Species and Location

fishery flag

Norway lobster

Nephrops norvegicus

Firth of Clyde, North Minch, South Minch

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
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress - UK Norway lobster - bottom trawl and creel

Species and Location

fishery flag

Ocean shrimp

Pandalus jordani

Eastern Pacific - US Oregon

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

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.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Ocean shrimp, United States, Northeast Pacific Ocean, Otter trawls, Marine Stewardship Council Certified Oregon and Washington pink shrimp

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pangasius (Basa)

Pangasius hypophthalmus

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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
  • Pangasius feed includes low levels of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources. Feed inputs are required to be responsibly sourced where possible.
  • 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. Environmental issues are mitigated by the certification standard but disease risk requires improvement.
  • 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. 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, Tra, Catfish or Vietnamese River Cobbler, Global, ASC

Seafood Watch report for farmed pangasius, Vietnam

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Catfish

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pangasius (Basa)

Pangasius hypophthalmus

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Pangasius feed includes low levels of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources. Feed inputs are traceable but 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. Chemical inputs to Vietnamese pangasius culture are high and there are concerns about the use of antibiotics important to human health. Environmental issues are mitigated by the certification standard but waste discharge limits need improvement.
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, Tra, Catfish or Vietnamese River Cobbler, Vietnam, Global GAP

Seafood Watch report for farmed pangasius, Vietnam

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

Ocean Wise

Not recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • 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
Organizacion Internacional Agropecuaria (OIA), June 2017, Public Comment Draft Report for Patagonian Scallop Bottom Otter Trawl Fishery in Argentine Sea

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine
  • Gillnets and entangling nets
  • Hook and line

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
Environmental Notes
  • While encounters with marine mammals and birds have been documented in this fishery, the impact on PET species is not thought to be significant.
  • Unwanted catch is minimal.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes

References

MRAG Americas, 2019, MSC Public Certification Report for Alaska Salmon Fishery, 3rd Reassessment Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

British Columbia

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Purse seine
  • Gillnets and entangling nets
  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a direct impact on PET species.
  • This fishery is highly selective and bycatch is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes
  • Certification for this fishery was publicly suspended in November 2019. Only product harvested before this period was sourced.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Russia

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Seine nets
  • Gillnets and entangling nets
  • 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

Recommended

Ocean Wise

  • Recommended
  • Not recommended
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low and non-target species are released alive.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes

References
SCS Global Services, 2015, MSC Public Certification Report for Iturup Pink & Chum Salmon Fisheries

MRAG Americas, 2018, MSC Public Certification Report for Narody Severa Bolsheretsk Salmon Fisheries

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pollack

Pollachius pollachius

Celtic Sea and West of Scotland

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Good Fish Guide

Think 3

Good Fish Guide

  • Best Choice 1
  • Best Choice 2
  • Think 3
  • Think 4
  • Improver 5
  • Avoid 5
Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • Profile not yet complete.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow Trout, Steelhead Trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

United Kingdom

Fishery countries:
United Kingdom

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Trout have a high requirement for fish in their diet.
  • Escapes are unlikely to have a significant impact on wild trout populations. Producers are permitted to use lethal control on predators.
  • 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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red swamp crawfish

Procambarus clarkii

Chinese waters

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

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
  • There is a lack of information on interactions with PET species in this fishery, but the introduced red swamp crawfish presents a risk to native crawfish species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is likely to be low.
  • This fishery takes place in natural freshwater systems and rice fields and is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes
  • As an introduced species, the impacts of the fishery on native species and ecosystems need to be considered.

References

Fishery Progress, China crayfish - pot/trap

MRAG, 2016, Red swamp crayfish Pre-Assessment Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red swamp crawfish

Procambarus clarkii

Guadalquivir delta

Fishery countries:
Spain

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Prospective FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There is a lack of information on interactions with PET species in this fishery. The only known significant impact with this fishery is the effect of the introduced crawfish species on the indigenous crawfish species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This is a freshwater fishery close to rice fields, so the habitat impact is very limited.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Saithe

Pollachius virens

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl
  • Hook and line

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
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

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, information on seabird bycatch mortality is still limited.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but there is a strategy in place for managing retained species. The discard rate for the fishery is very low and the fishery is unlikely to hinder the recovery of discarded species.
  • 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
Intertek, 2015, MSC Public Certification Report for South Africa Hake Trawl Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
Maldives

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement

Seafood Watch

Good Alternative

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Philippines

Production Methods

  • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery uses FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine gear, which results in less bycatch than associated fisheries. However, purse seine gear still present a hazard to sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks.
  • This fishery uses FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine gear, which results in less bycatch than associated fisheries.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

SCS Global, May 2020, MSC Public Certification Report for PNG Fishing Industry Association’s purse seine Skipjack & Yellowfin Tuna Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Sockeye salmon

Oncorhynchus nerka

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

References

MRAG Americas, 2019, MSC 3rd Assessment Report Public Certification Report for the Alaska Salmon Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

Sockeye salmon

Oncorhynchus nerka

British Columbia

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Seine nets
  • Lift nets
  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

FishSource

Well Managed

FishSource

  • Well Managed
  • Managed
  • Needs Improvement
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a direct impact on PET species.
  • This fishery is highly selective and bycatch is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes
  • Certification for this fishery was publicly suspended in November 2019. Only product harvested before this period was sourced.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Ecuador

Fishery countries:
Ecuador

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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 - Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global, ASC

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Seafood Watch report for farmed shrimp, Ecuador

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Honduras

Fishery countries:
Honduras

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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

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

References:

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

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

Good Fish Guide - Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global, ASC

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Seafood Watch report for farmed shrimp, Honduras

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Indonesia

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Indonesia and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality and cumulative impacts across a region may occur.
General Notes

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

Legislation on zonal planning that is relevant to aquaculture does exist. A zonal approach to aquaculture is being introduced via an Aquaculture Improvement Project (AIP) in Muncar, Banyuwangi district, East Java.

References:

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

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

Good Fish Guide - Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global, ASC

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Seafood Watch report for farmed shrimp, Indonesia

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Nicaragua

Fishery countries:
Nicaragua

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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
  • Most shrimp culture in Nicaragua relies on inputs of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources. The sustainability of source fisheries is unknown, but certification criteria encourage the use of responsibly sourced marine products in feed.
  • Habitat conversion for Nicaraguan shrimp farms has affected areas important to shore birds. Escapes can occur during water exchanges and flooding incidences. Shrimp farmed in Nicaragua are native to the country and interbreeding with wild populations may result in reduced genetic fitness. Information on the use of wild shrimp populations as a source of stock is limited. Disease transfer from farmed shrimp to wild shrimp populations in Nicaragua has not been reported.
  • 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.

References:

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

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

Good Fish Guide - Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global, ASC

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Seafood Watch report for farmed shrimp, Nicaragua

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Thailand

Fishery countries:
Thailand

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern but infrequent water exchange on whiteleg shrimp farms moderates the risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Thailand and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Impacts on water quality vary depending on the frequency of waste discharge from ponds.
General Notes

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

Public information on zonal approaches to planning and production of shrimp farming in Thailand is limited.

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Thailand

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

Seafood Watch Recommended Eco-Certifications for Whiteleg shrimp

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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 fishoil 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 this risk. Whiteleg shrimp are not native to Vietnam and there is potential for ecological impacts from escapes.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. Waste discharge from whiteleg shrimp ponds is typically limited to once per production cycle, moderating the impact of effluents on water quality. There is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs, but evidence suggests that illegal antibiotics are sometimes used on Vietnamese shrimp farms.
General Notes

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

The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach

References:

FishSource - Shrimp, Vietnam

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

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

Good Fish Guide - Prawn, King (whiteleg), prawns, Global, ASC

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin sole

Limanda aspera

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

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

NOAA FSSI

4

NOAA FSSI

  • 0
  • 0.5
  • 1
  • 1.5
  • 2
  • 2.5
  • 3
  • 4
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
China

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
Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Catch of other species includes tuna, marlin and swordfish.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Control Union Pesca Ltd, October 2018, MSC Public Certification Report for SZLC CSFC & FZLC FSM EEZ Longline Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna Fishery (Yellowfin UoA)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Japan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

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
  • The longline fishery is associated with bycatch of PET species including sea turtles.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
South Korea

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Some product from certified fisheries

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
  • The longline fishery is associated with bycatch of PET species including sea turtles.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery but measures are in place in the certified fishery to reduce bycatch.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.