Tuesday 9 June 2020

Consumers increasingly ‘voting with their forks’ for sustainable seafood

Consumers increasingly ‘voting with their forks’ for sustainable seafood

Consumers across the world are increasingly ‘voting with their forks’ in favour of more sustainable seafood.

That's the suggestion from new research published by the Marine Stewardship Council, which suggests high levels of concern for the world's oceans are driving "a new wave of consumer activism" - the survey of more than 20,000 people across 23 countries, shows 58% of shoppers have already made changes to the way they choose and buy seafood in the last year in order to protect fish and marine biodiversity.

Around 23% said they have switched to greener brands, 17% are buying different seafood species and 15% are changing where they buy seafood (15%), with as many as 83% stating they are prepared to take further action in the future to safeguard our oceans.

A third of people said they are worried their favourite fish won’t be available to eat in 20 years’ time.

Oceans contain up to 80% of life on earth - however, a third of fisheries around the world have been fished beyond sustainable limits and a further 60% are fished to their maximum capacity.

Rupert Howes, Chief Executive at the Marine Stewardship Council said: “With overfishing, climate change and pollution putting increasing pressure on our oceans, the choices we make as consumers have never been more important. This survey shows people really do care where their seafood comes from and how it is sourced.

“At a time when the seafood industry is facing unprecedented challenges as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we can all play a part in supporting fishers committed to sustainable practices, helping to protect marine ecosystems and safeguarding our seafood supplies for future generations."

Written by

Bruna Pinhoni

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