Loblaws Commitment to Sustainably Sourced Seafood

As many of you are aware, our marine environments are currently under immense stress. The problems arise primarily through human impact on the environment, such as over fishing and environmental destruction.

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In the past, much of our seafood was obtained through irresponsible fishing practices that altered many marine ecosystems; this practice has resulted in record depleted stocks. “85 percent of the world’s fisheries are fished at or beyond their maximum sustainable limit.”(1)

When you consider the rising global population and the pressure that it has, and will continue to exert on the Earth’s resources, a more sustainable method of fishing is necessary if humans wish to utilize its natural abundance.

However, there is good news. Research suggests that fisheries are able to recover or stabilize their populations when responsible management and regulations are in place.

What is Sustainable Seafood & the Sustainable Seafood Movement?

Sustainable seafood is either caught or farmed in ways that consider the long-term vitality of harvested species and the well-being of the oceans. It was first promoted through the sustainable seafood movement which began in the 1990s through the realization that the marine ecosystems of the world were being over-exploited, over-fished and shattered by environmentally destructive fishing methods.

Through a number of initiatives, the movement has increased awareness and raised concerns over the way our fish is obtained.

Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certified Sustainable Seafood

There are over 20,000 MSC-labelled products on sale around the world, from prepared seafood meals to fresh fish from the fish shop. Find out more about how to cook, eat and enjoy each of these different seafood species, certified sustainable when carrying the MSC ecolabel. By looking for the MSC label, you can enjoy eating any of these species responsibly. Just make sure to look for the blue label!

The Loblaw Commitment

Loblaw is Canada’s largest retailer, with more than 1,000 stores across the country, under 22 different banners including Loblaws, Superstore, Atlantic Superstore, NoFrills, Save Easy, Valu Mart, Wholesale Club and more.
Loblaw Companies Limited has made a commitment to source all seafood sold in its retail locations from sustainable sources by the end of 2013!
The commitment covers all canned, frozen, fresh, wild and farmed seafood products, in all categories.
The Loblaw Sustainable Seafood Initiative represents Loblaw’s commitment to conservation of marine resources and a healthy ocean environment.

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To learn more about sustainable seafood, visit these websites:
· www.oceansfortomorrow.ca

· www.loblaw.ca/seafood

· www.msc.org

· www.wwf-canada.com

If you have a favourite dish or recipe featuring sustainably sourced seafood be sure to share them to Facebook or on Twitter. (@preschoice, #FishFridays)

Check out my recipe for Tilapia Parcels using sustainably sourced tilapia..it is YUMMY!

1. Bassan, Janine (May/June 2011). “Not all seafood is equal”. South African Journal of Science 107 (5/6): 8–10.

Before reading this, did you realize how critical this situation was?

Are you aware of the sustainable seafood movement?

When shopping do you look for the MSC seal and try to find sustainably sourced seafood?

Comments

JoJo says:

November 4, 2013 at 5:04 PM

It’s scary what’s happening to the oceans. It’s a disaster in the Pacific with the radioactive water pouring into the ocean from Japan and all that plastic. :(

- Monica Parlee says:
  
  November 4, 2013 at 7:02 PM
  
  That must be terrible to deal with JoJo. At least here on the east coast we don’t have that issue on top of everything else!