Woolworths is collaborating with World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in a move to boost sustainable sourcing in the seafood sector.
Under the new arrangement WWF Australia will assess all of Woolworths’ private label seafood on shelves and at the seafood counter using WWF’s independently developed methodology, and will implement standards of traceability to make it easier for customers to choose sustainably produced seafood.
Woolworths says its seafood sales have grown by around seven per cent over the past year, the partnership follows previous sustainable seafood commitments by Woolworths including the signing the Australian Seafood Traceability Statement and supporting the Fisheries Research and Development Cooperation's online site 'Whichfish'.
WWF-Australia’s seafood lead Jo-anne McCrea says, “Working together with Woolworths will create real on the ground conservation outcomes for our precious marine environments. We will help Woolworths select seafood that minimises impacts on our oceans and marine life; work directly with fishing and aquaculture operations to help them improve sustainable practices where necessary.”
According to research shows that over 80 percent of Australian seafood consumers believe that seafood needs to be protected for future generations to enjoy, however, their passion for seafood and sustainability is at odds with their purchasing behaviour, according to the latest research from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
The MSC reported that while 74 per cent of Australians believe they need to purchase certified sustainable seafood to safeguard the oceans, only nine per cent currently buy eco-labelled fish and seafood products often.
“Our oceans and marine life stocks are under increasing pressure as global populations grow and as demand for seafood soars,” Woolworths general manager quality, sustainability and health Alex Holt says.
“We know our customers are enjoying more seafood each year and they are becoming increasingly more interested in knowing where their seafood is sourced from.
“Raising awareness of sustainably sourced products is an ongoing priority for Woolworths, as is ensuring that all the seafood of offer at our seafood counter as well as private label seafood products, comes from sustainable sources.”
