Greenpeace report titled “Carting Away the Oceans: How Grocery Stores are Emptying the Seas,” calls for Publix and other chains to prohibit the selling of Red List seafood that comes “from fisheries or farming practices that are clearly damaging,” and urge to work with suppliers to create sustainable procurement policies. Publix was ranked last out of 20 major chains, was cited for a lack of sustainable seafood policies and for selling 21 species of fish on Greenpeace’s “Red List,” which includes Chilean sea bass, grouper, swordfish and yellowfin tuna.
It is reported that Publix does not have a sustainable seafood sourcing policy, although the company is interested in natural products and environmental sustainability as demonstrated through its marketing and product lines. Publix spokeswoman Shannon Patten told that the company does use sustainable seafood practices with its suppliers and is “one of the largest retail supporters” of the Ocean Trust conservation group.
The company also said that they procure product within the guidelines and limits set by the fishery management teams responsible for that fishery. It also said that the company strictly monitors the fisheries by staying on top of fishery laws and regulations and verifying that their suppliers are following those guidelines.
The report mentioned that supermarkets are well positioned to help shape the commercial fishing industry of tomorrow and prevent the collapse of global commercial fisheries. It also said that supermarket has the power to press suppliers to become more sustainable in their business practices.
