Walmart US

Our customers and members count on Walmart to deliver affordable products in a way that is sustainable for people and for the planet. To meet those needs, we work with partners all along the supply chain to improve the sustainability of products we sell. We do this while working to offer quality products, everyday low prices and putting customers in charge of their food choices by helping provide clear, accurate information about food ingredients and production.

Walmart US employs 1.6 million U.S. associates at more than 5,000 stores and clubs nationwide.

The below profile is based upon reports by participating Walmart US suppliers and has not been verified by third-party traceability systems.

Number of Species
% Volume of Fresh/Frozen from Certified Fisheries
% Volume of Fresh/Frozen from a FIP
% Volume of Fresh/Frozen from Certified Farms

Number of Species

66

% Volume of Fresh/Frozen from Certified Fisheries

76%

% Volume of Fresh/Frozen from a FIP

21%

% Volume of Fresh/Frozen from Certified Farms

99%

Fishing Methods Used in Associated Fisheries
    • Midwater trawl
    • Bottom trawl
    • Dredge
    • Purse seine
    • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine
    • Gillnets and entangling nets
    • Hook and line
    • Longlines
    • Handlines and pole-lines
    • Rake / hand gathered / hand netted
    • Pots and traps
    • Farmed
Summary

Walmart aspires to help make choices easier and more transparent for people. We serve hundreds of millions of customers every year, and we advocate for them among suppliers to provide more sustainably produced products while maintaining the low prices customers expect.

At Walmart, we value our relationships with the seafood suppliers who are dedicated to providing the highest in quality and safety through practices that promote more sustainable fisheries. We know that seafood is an important source of protein, nutrition, and income for people all over the world. Therefore, we aspire to find our customers safe, affordable, and sustainable seafood that does not negatively impact our oceans. Our goal is to build transparency and continuous improvement in the seafood supply chain so that we can build confidence and provide for our customers now and in the future.

Walmart believes the health of species, fisheries and ecosystems around the world is good for the planet and important to people today and in the future. We are working with our suppliers and partners to track the management of fisheries from which our suppliers source so that we can promote a sustainable supply. We are dedicated to disclosing and making transparent information on the fisheries as reported by our suppliers.

In addition, we care about the men and women in our supply chain and in the seafood industry as a whole, and we are concerned about the ethical recruitment and treatment of workers. While this is a complex issue, we are actively engaged in bringing together numerous stakeholders, NGOs and other private sector companies to help find solutions.

This profile covers all fresh and frozen seafood and Great Value canned tuna sourced in Walmart US FY21 (February 2020-January 2021).

In 2020, Walmart met their commitment to source its U.S. stores Great Value canned tuna as either Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)-certified or, based on supplier reports, from a time-bound Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) actively working toward certification. Read more about their efforts here.

walmart-canned-tuna-2_210804_000440.PNG#asset:15587


Associated Fisheries

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Acadian redfish

Sebastes fasciatus

Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Reference

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

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

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low and there are mitigation measures in place.
  • 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

Gulf of Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Bottom trawls will directly 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

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

North Atlantic

Fishery countries:
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds, sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch of other tuna, billfishes and sharks is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

North Pacific - IATTC

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are potential risks to sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but management measures are in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes several species of tunas, sharks, billfish and other fish species.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

North Pacific - IATTC

Fishery countries:
Panama

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are potential risks to sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but management measures are in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes several species of tunas, sharks, billfish and other fish species.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

North Pacific - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
China, Cook Islands, South Korea, Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

South Pacific - IATTC

Fishery countries:
China, Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds and sea turtles with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes tunas, sharks, billfish and other fish.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

South Pacific - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
American Samoa, Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds and sea turtles with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes tunas, sharks, billfish and other fish.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is used in Walmart's Great Value brand canned tuna sold in the US.

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Albacore

Thunnus alalunga

South Pacific - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
China, Fiji, Taiwan, Vanuatu

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds and sea turtles with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes tunas, sharks, billfish and other fish.
  • 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

Gaspé Peninsula

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete
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

Well managed

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 - US Gulf of Maine

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are potential risks to ETP species with this fishery, but mitigation actions are underway.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Marine Stewardship Council, Gulf of Maine lobster fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag

American lobster

Homarus americanus

Gulf of St. Lawrence North

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

American lobster

Homarus americanus

Gulf of St. Lawrence South

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

American sea scallop

Placopecten magellanicus

US Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl
  • Dredge

Certification or Improvement Project

Some product from certified fisheries

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There is potential for turtle interactions with this fishery, but mitigation actions are underway.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls and dredges will directly 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

  • Bottom trawl
  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Atlantic herring

Clupea harengus

Icelandic summer-spawning

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic herring

Clupea harengus

NE Atlantic Spring spawners

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact protected, endangered and threatened (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 herring

Clupea harengus

W Newfoundland fall and spring spawners

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This MSC certification withdrawn (30th January 2019).

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Canada

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Seafood Watch, Atlantic Salmon, Farmed, Canada

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Seafood Watch, Salmon - Chile

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed.
  • There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. Overall, the Chilean industry continues to struggle with the control of bacterial diseases and sea lice parasites as indicated by the very high levels of treatment.
  • Direct impacts on water quality at the site are unlikely, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. The use of antibiotic and pesticides in Chile is high; studies on impact are limited.
General Notes
  • Product reported as Global Aquaculture Alliance BAP 1-star.
  • A zonal management approach has been adopted based on licenses (concessions); groups of licenses - Aquaculture Management Areas (AMAs); emergency disease zones - Macro Zones; and Areas Autorizadas para el ejercicio de la Acuicultura - Appropriate Areas for Aquaculture (AAA).

References

Seafood Watch, Salmon - Chile

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Faroe Islands

Fishery countries:
Faroe Islands

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed, but there is an increasing effort to use alternative ingredients in feed.
  • There are concerns about the potential for farmed salmon escapes, disease outbreaks, and impacts on wild salmonids. Farmed lumpfish are used instead of wild fish as cleaner fish.
  • Impacts on water quality are localized. Antibiotics are not used on Faroese salmon farms but chemical inputs used to control sea lice are not clearly regulated.
General Notes

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Iceland

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed, but responsible sourcing of inputs is encouraged for certified salmon.
  • 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 salmon.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Seafood Watch, Atlantic salmon, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified Salmon Standard

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Norway

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed, but there is an increasing effort to use alternative ingredients in feed.
  • There are concerns about the potential for farmed salmon escapes, disease outbreaks, and impacts on wild salmonids and wild caught fish used as cleaner fish.
  • Impacts on water quality from waste discharge are localized. The use of antibiotics on Norwegian salmon farms has reduced significantly since the 1980s. But chemical inputs used to control sea lice are of particular concern for farmed Norwegian salmon and are not clearly regulated.
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.

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

Norway

Fishery countries:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed, but inputs for Norwegian farmed salmon are said to be responsibly sourced.
  • 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 Norwegian salmon, but the use of non-chemical treatments for sea lice is increasing.
General Notes
  • The Norwegian salmon industry has adopted a zonal approach to aquaculture management.

References

Seafood Watch, Farmed Salmon, Norway

Species and Location

fishery flag

Atlantic salmon

Salmo salar

United States

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Salmon rely on wild capture fisheries for feed. But the use of fishmeal and fish oil in salmon farming in Atlantic North America is reported to be lower than that in other salmon-farming regions. Marine ingredients include herring, menhaden, anchovy sourced from fisheries in Atlantic Canada, Atlantic US and Gulf of Mexico, and Peru.
  • There are concerns about the impact of farmed salmon escapes and disease outbreaks on wild salmonids. Management systems for containment are in place to reduce the risk of escapes and have greatly improved fish containment by farms in Maine (as evidenced by the very low numbers of escapees identified in Maine rivers). The primary concerns for disease are sea lice and Infectious Salmon Anaemia, however the risk of transmission to wild salmon appears to be low.
  • Impacts on water quality are localized, but there is potential for cumulative impacts in densely farmed areas. Chemical inputs of antibiotics and of pesticides used to control sea lice are of particular concern for salmon farmed in Atlantic North America.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Seafood Watch, Atlantic salmon, farmed, United States (Maine)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Bay scallop

Argopecten irradians

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Seafood Watch, Worldwide Farmed Scallops Report

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue crab

Callinectes sapidus

Mexico Gulf of Mexico

Fishery countries:
Mexico

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Campeche blue crab - pot/trap & ring nets

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue crab

Callinectes sapidus

US NW Gulf of Mexico (Louisiana/GSFMC)

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to marine mammals with this fishery.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue mussel

Mytilus edulis

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue swimming crab

Portunus pelagicus

India

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets
  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There is a lack of information on interactions with ETP species in this fishery.
  • There is some bycatch of other crabs in this fishery.
  • There is a lack of information on habitat impacts in this fishery.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, India Palk Bay blue swimming crab - gillnet

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue swimming crab

Portunus pelagicus

Java Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets
  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

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

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesian blue swimming crab - gillnet/trap

Fishery Progress, Indonesia Jepara blue swimming crab - bottom gillnet

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue swimming crab

Portunus pelagicus

Western Visayan Sea

Fishery countries:
Philippines

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets
  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to marine mammals and turtles with this fishery.
  • Bycatch varies for this fishery depending on gear type.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Philippines blue swimming crab - bottom-set gillnet & pot/trap (PACPI)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue swimming crab

Portunus pelagicus

Thailand

Fishery countries:
Thailand

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles with this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • Habitat impacts are not well understood. Plans to identify and manage potential impacts are underway.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Thailand blue swimming crab - bottom gillnet/trap

Species and Location

fishery flag

Blue swimming crab

Portunus pelagicus

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets
  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • The risks to sharks and sea turtles with this fishery is considered low.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but non-target species are retained.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Vietnam blue swimming crab - bottom gillnet/pot/trap

Species and Location

fishery flag

Caribbean spiny lobster

Panulirus argus

Western Central Atlantic

Fishery countries:
Bahamas

Production Methods

  • Rake / hand gathered / hand netted

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Channel catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

United States

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Seafood Watch, Channel Catfish, Farmed

Species and Location

fishery flag

Channel catfish

Ictalurus punctatus

US

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Very low amounts of fishmeal and fish oil are used in the catfish feed, which is made primarily from agricultural crop-derived ingredients.
  • Risks of escapes, competition with, and disease outbreaks to wild catfish are low.
  • Environmental impacts from effluents and chemical use are minimal and well-regulated.
General Notes
  • Product reported as Global Aquaculture Alliance BAP 1-star.

References

Seafood Watch, Channel Catfish, Farmed

Species and Location

fishery flag

Chinook salmon

Oncorhynchus tshawytscha

Alaska - Southeast Alaksa

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Chum salmon

Oncorhynchus keta

Alaska - Southeast Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine
  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Chum salmon

Oncorhynchus keta

Alaska - Bristol Bay, Prince William Sound

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact PET species.
  • Management measures are in place to minimise bycatch of non-target salmon stocks.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References
MRAG Americas, 2019, 3rd Re-Assessment Report Alaska Salmon Fishery MSC Public Certification Report

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Coho salmon

Oncorhynchus kisutch

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Seafood Watch, Chile Farmed Coho Salmon, ASC

Species and Location

fishery flag

Dot-dash grouper

Epinephelus poecilonotus

Aru Bay, Arafura Sea and Eastern of Timor Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Longlines
  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This Indonesian multispecies fishery captures Snappers nei, Groupers nei and other reef fishes. There is as yet no consensus as to the stock structure of these species. This profile may undergo restructuring in the future as new information comes to light.

References

Fishery Progress, Aru, Arafura and Timor Seas snapper and grouper - handlines, bottom set longline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Dungeness crab

Cancer magister

Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Dungeness crab

Cancer magister

Oregon

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Fishery Progress, US Oregon Dungeness crab - pot/trap

Species and Location

fishery flag

Duskytail grouper

Epinephelus bleekeri

Aru Bay, Arafura Sea and Eastern of Timor Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This Indonesian multispecies fishery captures Snappers nei, Groupers nei and other reef fishes. There is as yet no consensus as to the stock structure of these species. This profile may undergo restructuring in the future as new information comes to light.

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia snapper and grouper - bottom longline, dropline, trap, and gillnet (ADI)

Species and Location

fishery flag

European seabass

Dicentrarchus labrax

Turkey

Fishery countries:
Turkey

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • 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, GAA BAP 3* & 4* certified

Seafood Watch, European sea bass, Turkey

Species and Location

fishery flag

Giant tiger prawn

Penaeus monodon

India

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Frequent water exchange increases the likelihood of escapes, but the risk from escapes is low as Giant tiger prawn are native to India. Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern. Production is reliant on wild-caught broodstock.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality. There is a lack of data on the quantity of chemical inputs, but evidence suggests that illegal antibiotics are sometimes used on shrimp farms in India.
General Notes
  • The Coastal Aquaculture Act 2005 regulates shrimp farm planning and production. The Act adopts a zonal approach to aquaculture.
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Seafood Watch, farmed Giant Tiger Prawn, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP Standard: Finfish and Crustacean Farms (2, 3, 4-star)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Golden king crab

Lithodes aequispinus

Aleutian Islands - east of 174ºW

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • Information on interactions with ETP species is not available.
  • Bycatch is a significant risk for this fishery.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes
  • This fishery is certified through the Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Program.

References

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, RFM Certification: Alaska Crab

Species and Location

fishery flag

Greasy grouper

Epinephelus tauvina

Aru Bay, Arafura Sea and Eastern of Timor Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • This Indonesian multispecies fishery captures Snappers nei, Groupers nei and other reef fishes. There is as yet no consensus as to the stock structure of these species. This profile may undergo restructuring in the future as new information comes to light.

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia snapper and grouper - bottom longline, dropline, trap, and gillnet (ADI)

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Barents Sea

Fishery countries:
Iceland, Norway

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • 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:
Norway

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Georges Bank

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to ETP species with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • 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 the sea bed. However, management measures are in place.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Haddock

Melanogrammus aeglefinus

Icelandic

Fishery countries:
Iceland

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl
  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Japanese threadfin bream

Nemipterus japonicus

Western Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

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

References

Fishery Progress, India threadfin bream - trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Jonah crab

Cancer borealis

US Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

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

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

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are no records of impacts on ETP species for any fishing gear operating.
  • Minimal impacts of bycatch on other species are expected given the nature of the fishing gear.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Peru jumbo flying squid - jig

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mahi-mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Eastern Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Ecuador

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery interacts with sea turtles, but it is concluded that the impact on the sea turtle populations is low. There are also reported interactions with sharks. No interactions with seabirds or marine mammals have been reported.
  • Bycatch, in general, is very low, since it is a highly targeted fishery. With regard to mother-ships, mahi mahi represents 98.38 % of the total catches.
  • The fishing gears used in Ecuador to catch mahi-mahi or dolphinfish do not contact the bottom and as such do not represent a threat or have any impact on benthic habitats.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Ecuador mahi-mahi - longline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mahi-mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Eastern Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Peru

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to turtles and seabirds with this fishery, but mitigation measures are in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes sharks, rays, sunfish, opah, swordfish, and yellowfin tuna.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mahi-mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to have direct impacts on ETP species.
  • Mahi-mahi is bycatch and predator for skipjack. Measures tailored to the characteristics of the fishery and local ecosystem are in place for the purpose of bycatch mitigation.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mahi-mahi

Coryphaena hippurus

Western and Central Pacific - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Taiwan

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to turtles and seabirds with this fishery, but management measures are in place.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Taiwan Hsin-Kang mahi-mahi - longline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mitre squid

Uroteuthis (photololigo) chinensis

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Purse seine
  • Hook and line

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to ETP species with this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • There is a lack of information on bycatch in this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Shantou-Taiwan Chinese common squid and short arm octopus - jig/trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Mytilus mussels nei

Mytilus spp.

Chinese waters

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Rake / hand gathered / hand netted

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • Walmart US discontinued this item after Q2 2019.

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag

North Pacific hake

Merluccius productus

NE Pacific

Fishery countries:
United States, Canada

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern brown shrimp

Penaeus aztecus

Northern Gulf of Mexico - Alabama, Louisiana

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

References

Audubon G.U.L.F., Alabama Shrimp FIP

Fishery Progress, US Louisiana shrimp - otter/skimmer trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern shortfin squid

Illex illecebrosus

NW Atlantic

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Northern white shrimp

Penaeus setiferus

Northern Gulf of Mexico - Louisiana

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There is potential for turtle interactions with this fishery, but excluder devices (TEDs) are fitted to nets for protection.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, US Louisiana shrimp - otter/skimmer trawl

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

Well managed

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
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Orange roughy

Hoplostethus atlanticus

East and South Rise

Fishery countries:
New Zealand

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery interacts with sharks and sea birds, but mitigation measures are in place.
  • The risks of serious or irreversible harm to bycatch species identified are ‘low to moderate’.
  • Bottom trawls will directly impact the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific cod

Gadus macrocephalus

Aleutian Islands

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl
  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are some interactions with seabirds and marine mammals, but this is not thought to be a threat to populations.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • The impact depends on the gear type. Otter trawls are likely to cause some damage to the seabed.
General Notes

References

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

Good Fish Guide, Pacific cod, Aleutian Islands, Hook & line (longline), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific cod

Gadus macrocephalus

Eastern Bering Sea

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific cod

Gadus macrocephalus

Gulf of Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the benthic habitat.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific cupped oyster

Magallana gigas

United States

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • No feed inputs are used to support farmed oysters.
  • The larval phase of oysters may be transported away from farm sites. The spread of non-native oysters and unintentionally introduced species beyond their natural range may be a cause for concern.
  • There is no concern regarding pollution from nutrients or organic matter. No feed or chemical inputs are used to support farmed oysters.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Oysters, Farmed

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pacific halibut

Hippoglossus stenolepis

NE Pacific - Alaska, US West Coast

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • Profile not yet complete for all assessment units.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pangasius

Pangasius hypophthalmus, Pangasius spp.

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Pangasius feed includes low levels of fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • As a native species, the risk to wild populations from escapes is low. 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.
  • Panagsius farming in Vietnam is linked to illegal disposal of waste into adjoining waterways with cumulative impacts that contribute to water pollution. However, certified farms are assumed to dispose of waste properly.
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

Seafood Watch, Sutchi catfish, Vietnam, Global Aquaculture Alliance Certified BAP Standard: Pangasius Farms (2, 3, 4-star)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Southeast Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Russia - East Kamchatka, Iturup Island Sakhalin

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Pink salmon

Oncorhynchus gorbuscha

Russia - Iturup Island Sakhalin

Fishery countries:
Russia

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low 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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Queen crab

Chionoecetes opilio

Eastern Bering Sea

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is certified through the Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Program.

References

Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, RFM Certification: Alaska Crab

Species and Location

fishery flag

Queen crab

Chionoecetes opilio

NW Atlantic - Newfoundland and Labrador

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • ETP species potentially encountered in the Newfoundland and Labrador snow crab fishery include leatherback turtles and several species of whales and wolfish. There are mitigation measures in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow smelt

Osmerus mordax

Lake Erie

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There is a lack of information on interactions with ETP species in this fishery.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Steelhead trout

Onchorynchus mykiss

Canada

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Risks of escape and competitive or genetic impact of escaped rainbow trout are considered low-moderate–high risk. Disease issues are not a major concern because of regulatory controls and best management practices.
  • There is potential for discharge nutrients and wastes that can cause harmful farm‐level and cumulative effects to receiving waterbodies, but data suggest that management and regulation have been effective in reducing nutrient concerns related to effluent.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Farmed Trout, Canada

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

Chile

Fishery countries:
Chile

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

FishSource, Salmon, Chile

Seafood Watch, Rainbow trout, Chile, Farmed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow trout

Onchorynchus mykiss

Peru

Fishery countries:
Peru

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Farmed Rainbow Trout, Worldwide

Species and Location

fishery flag

Steelhead trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

United States

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Seafood Watch, U.S. Farmed Rainbow Trout

Species and Location

fishery flag

Rainbow trout

Oncorhynchus mykiss

United States

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Rainbow trout is fed a high energy diet with moderate amounts of fishmeal and fish oil (approximately 20% and 6%, respectively).
  • Potential escapes pose no significant risk of additional ecological impacts.
  • Regulatory oversight of effluent and chemical use in U.S. ponds and outdoor flowthrough raceways are strong, and the industry follows best practices to minimize disease.
General Notes
  • Product reported as Global Aquaculture Alliance BAP 1-star.

References

Seafood Watch, U.S. Farmed Rainbow Trout

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red grouper

Epinephelus morio

Gulf of Mexico and NW Atlantic - Southern Gulf of Mexico

Fishery countries:
Mexico

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles and marine mammals with this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery.
  • Habitat impacts in this fishery are not well understood.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Mexico Yucatan red and black grouper - longline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red swamp crawfish

Procambarus clarkii

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fertilizers and feeds are used, and it's unknown how much nitrogenous waste is being discharged when pond water is exchanged. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Red swamp crayfish is an invasive species in China. If farmed crayfish escape and become established, they can cause significant ecosystem changes. They can also spread pathogens to native crayfish and farmed shrimp populations.
General Notes
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Seafood Watch, Red swamp crayfish, China, Ponds

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red swamp crawfish

Procambarus clarkii

Chinese waters

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • There is a lack of information on interactions with ETP 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

SAI Global, 2016, Report on Qianjiang Hubei Province Red Swamp Crayfish fisheries - A Technical Review Document for the Development of a Fishery Improvement Project

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red swamp crawfish

Procambarus clarkii

Guadalquivir delta

Fishery countries:
Spain

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

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

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red swamp crawfish

Procambarus clarkii

United States

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Red swamp crayfish farmed in the U.S. in ponds has low environmental impacts. No antibiotics, pesticides, disinfectants or feeds are used. The occurrence of disease or pathogens among farmed crayfish is rare. Red swamp crayfish are native to Louisiana, so the risk of farmed crayfish impacting wild populations is minimal.
  • Red swamp crayfish caught in Louisiana with traps hasn't been assessed, and the limited management of this fishery is a serious concern.
General Notes

References

Seafood Watch, Red swamp crayfish, United States, Ponds

Species and Location

fishery flag

Warty swimming crab

Portunus haanii

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Red swimming crab

Portunus haanii

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Scallops

Pectinidae

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Sustainability not rated

Environmental Notes
  • No feed inputs are used to support farmed scallops.
  • Scallops are mostly farmed within their native range and pose little risk from escapes. Predator control methods used are low-impact and there is little risk of direct or accidental mortality of predators and other wildlife.
  • There is no concern regarding pollution from nutrients or organic matter as no feed or nutrient fertilization inputs are used to support farmed scallops.
General Notes
  • Product reported as Global Aquaculture Alliance BAP 1-star.

References

Seafood Watch, Farmed Scallops

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Eastern Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Panama

Production Methods

  • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Occasional interactions with sea turtles occur with this fishery.
  • Bycatch of other fish is a risk for 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

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Eastern Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Associated purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles with this fishery, but management measures are in place.
  • Bycatch includes yellowtail, mahimahi, rainbow runner, silky and oceanic white tips sharks, and manta rays.
  • 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

Indian Ocean - IOTC

Fishery countries:
Maldives

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • This fishery is used in Walmart's Great Value brand canned tuna sold in the US.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Indian Ocean - IOTC

Fishery countries:
Seychelles

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles with this fishery.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes other tuna, fin fishes, sharks and rays.
  • 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

Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
Singapore

Production Methods

  • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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 fishery flag fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - PNA

Fishery countries:
South Korea, New Zealand, Vanuatu

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • 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
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Cook Islands

Production Methods

  • Associated purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There is a risk to sea turtles, marine mammals and sharks, but management measures are in place.
  • Bycatch is still a risk for 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

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is a risk for sharks, seabirds, marine mammals, and sea turtles, but management measures are in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Kiribati, South Korea, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Spain, Taiwan, United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles, sharks, and marine mammals with this fishery, but management measures are in place.
  • Bycatch includes other tuna, but management measures are in place.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
New Zealand, South Korea, Taiwan, United States

Production Methods

  • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

References

Marine Stewardship Council, Talleys New Zealand Skipjack Tuna Purse Seine

Marine Stewardship Council, Tropical Pacific yellowfin and skipjack free-school purse seine fishery

Marine Stewardship Council, WPSTA Western and Central Pacific Skipjack and Yellowfin Purse Seine Fishery

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Kiribati, Micronesia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, South Korea, Taiwan, United States

Production Methods

  • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Fishery Progress, Western and Central Pacific Ocean tuna - purse seine (Thai Union) FIP

Species and Location

fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag fishery flag

Skipjack tuna

Katsuwonus pelamis

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Papua New Guinea, Taiwan

Production Methods

  • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles, seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • 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
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Snappers nei

Lutjanus spp.

Aru Bay, Arafura Sea and Eastern of Timor Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Longlines
  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Sharks and rays are of most concern for ETP species with this fishery, and some measures have been implemented.
  • The snapper and grouper fishery is multi-species, in which several other species are caught: emperors, sweetlips, and jobfishes species. A recent study indicated that other species represent around 9% of the total demersal fishery in Indonesia. Also, other species targeted in snapper and grouper fishery include baitfish, representing about 25% of the total catch. The effects of this fishery on other target and bycatch species in the FMA 718 are not completely understood.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia snapper and grouper - bottom longline, dropline, trap, and gillnet (ADI)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Snappers nei

Lutjanus spp.

Java Sea

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia snapper and grouper - bottom longline, dropline, trap, and gillnet (ADI)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Sockeye salmon

Oncorhynchus nerka

Alaska - Bristol Bay, Southeast Alaska, Westward Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Sockeye salmon

Oncorhynchus nerka

Alaska - Southeast Alaska

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

South Pacific hake

Merluccius gayi peruanus

Peruvian

Fishery countries:
Peru

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

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

References

Fishery Progress, Peruvian hake - industrial bottom trawl

Species and Location

fishery flag

Southern king crab

Lithodes santolla

Gulf of St. Jorge and SW Atlantic - Argentina federal

Fishery countries:
Argentina

Production Methods

  • Pots and traps

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

References

Marine Stewardship Council, Southern king crab, Central Patagonian stock, traps with escape rings fishery in Argentine Sea

Species and Location

fishery flag

Swordfish

Xiphias gladius

Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There is a risk to ETP species with this fishery. Longlines present a hazard to turtles, seabirds and sharks, but these risks can be reduced through proper management of fishing gear.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes tuna, billfish and sharks.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia Indian Ocean and Western Central Pacific Ocean tuna and large pelagics - longline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Swordfish

Xiphias gladius

Southwest Pacific

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Fishery Progress, Vietnam swordfish - handline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis spp

China

Fishery countries:
China

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

FishSource - Tilapia, China

Seafood Watch, Nile tilapia, Worldwide

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Tilapia

Oreochromis spp.

Costa Rica

Fishery countries:
Costa Rica

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Tilapia require relatively low inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Pollution from nutrients and organic matter, as well as chemical inputs, may affect local water quality.
General Notes
  • Area-based approaches to aquaculture are included in the national and provincial legislation, but it is unclear whether zonal approaches to siting and production are used.
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

Seafood Watch, Farmed Tilapia, Aquaculture Stewardship Council Certified

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Tilapia

Oreochromis niloticus, Oreochromis spp.

Honduras

Fishery countries:
Honduras

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Good Fish Guide, Tilapia (Farmed), ASC

Seafood Watch, Nile tilapia, Worldwide

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Tilapia

Oreochromis spp.

Mexico

Fishery countries:
Mexico

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Tilapia require relatively low inputs of fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources in their diet.
  • Impacts from escapes, disease outbreaks, and interactions with predators and other wildlife are considered low.
  • Chemical inputs are minimal and impacts from effluents beyond the farm boundaries are thought to be moderate.
General Notes
  • Area-based approaches to aquaculture are included in the national and provincial legislation, but it is unclear whether zonal approaches to siting and production are used.
  • The environmental impacts described are addressed to some degree by certification.

References

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Walleye

Sander vitreus

Lake Erie western and central

Fishery countries:
Canada

Production Methods

  • Gillnets and entangling nets

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to ETP species with this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • There is a lack of information on bycatch in this fishery.
  • Profile not yet complete.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Wellington flying squid

Nototodarus sloanii

NZ Southern Islands

Fishery countries:
New Zealand

Production Methods

  • Midwater trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to seabirds and marine mammals with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery is considered low.
  • Midwater trawls may have an occasional but cumulative impact.
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

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

India

Fishery countries:
India

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

FishSource - shrimp, India

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

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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Indonesia

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Disease transfer between farmed and wild prawns is a concern. 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, Global, GAA BAP certification (2 & 3*)

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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

United States

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fish oil from marine feed sources are used. At least 50% of the feed used in certified production is required to be responsibly or sustainably sourced.
  • Disease outbreaks are uncommon in U.S. shrimp aquaculture and as such the need for chemical use is demonstrably low. Risk of escape is considered low-moderate. Juvenile shrimp for stocking are sourced exclusively from domestic hatcheries in the U.S.
  • There is no concern regarding pollution from nutrients or organic matter.
General Notes
  • The government has adopted a farm-based approach to aquaculture regulations and licensing.

References

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

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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

FishSource - shrimp, Vietnam

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

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

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Whiteleg shrimp

Penaeus vannamei

Vietnam

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Farmed

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in an AIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • Fishmeal and fishoil from marine feed sources are used.
  • 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. Environmental issues are mitigated by the certification standards.
General Notes
  • The aquaculture industry is currently managed under a farm-based approach.

References

FishSource - Shrimp, Vietnam

Good Fish Guide - King Prawn, Asia: India, Vietnam and Indonesia

Seafood Watch, Whiteleg Shrimp Report, Vietnam

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin sole

Limanda aspera

Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Eastern Pacific Ocean - IATTC

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Not certified or in a FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to sea turtles with this fishery, but there are mitigation measures in place.
  • Bycatch for this fishery includes billfish and other tuna species.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Indian Ocean

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna - handline

Fishery Progress, Indonesia Indian Ocean yellowfin tuna - pole & line

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA)

Fishery countries:
Micronesia

Production Methods

  • FAD-free (unassociated) purse seine

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean

Fishery countries:
Vietnam

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Fishery Progress, Vietnam yellowfin tuna - longline/handline

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Cook Islands

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • There are risks to turtles, seabirds and sharks, but these risks can be reduced through proper management of fishing gear.
  • There is bycatch for this fishery but the scale of the issue is not established.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Fiji

Production Methods

  • Longlines

Certification or Improvement Project

Certified

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact ETP species.
  • Bycatch is a risk for this fishery, but there is insufficient data available to assess significance.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes
  • No additional notes.

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Managed

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

References

Fishery Progress, Indonesia Western and Central Pacific Ocean yellowfin tuna - handline (AP2HI, IPNLF, MDPI)

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowfin tuna

Thunnus albacares

Western and Central Pacific Ocean - WCPFC

Fishery countries:
Indonesia

Production Methods

  • Handlines and pole-lines

Certification or Improvement Project

FIP

Sustainability Ratings

Needs improvement

Environmental Notes
  • This fishery is unlikely to impact protected, endangered and threatened (PET) species.
  • Bycatch is considered low for this fishery.
  • This fishery is unlikely to have a significant impact on the sea bed.
General Notes

This fishery entered MSC Full Assessment in November 2019 and was MSC Certified in Jan 2021.

References

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

Marine Stewardship Council, Indonesia pole-and-line and handline, skipjack and yellowfin tuna of Western and Central Pacific archipelagic waters

Species and Location

fishery flag

Yellowtail rockfish

Sebastes flavidus

US West Coast

Fishery countries:
United States

Production Methods

  • Bottom trawl

Certification or Improvement Project

Some product from certified fisheries

Sustainability Ratings

Well managed

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

Profile Download

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