There is no denying fact that the consumer demand for seafood has been depleting fish and shrimp populations for decades. And so there is more space for farmed. Many retailers are now using their market strength to demand seafood that’s farmed in a more sustainable manner. According to a report the Marine Stewardship Council has helped protect marine animal populations by creating standards retailers and consumers can follow to choose wild-caught fish from better-managed fisheries.
Wal-Mart and Whole Foods are among the retailers that sell MSC-Certified seafood. They said that the “Farming” fish and shrimp has helped meet consumer demand, but at a cost. The fishmeal salmon eat, for example, is often loaded with dangerous PCBs. Farmed salmon can contract sealice, which can spread to wild salmon. Shrimp aquaculture can destroy the mangrove swamps that protect barrier islands and coastlines from hurricanes.
There is other side of the issue that many retailers are now taking action by aiming to protect sensitive marine habitats, reduce or ban antibiotics, treat waste water, and minimize or eliminate the use of toxic chemicals. It is said that Whole Foods will require its suppliers to pass independent, third-party audits to ensure they are meeting sustainable seafood standards. Meanwhile, the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions urge is working with fishermen, retailers, environmental organizations and consumer groups to increase understanding of the nation’s fisheries and make more sustainable seafood available in the marketplace.
