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Buyer-NGO Partnerships in Seafood Business
Created on Thursday, 25 December 2008
In a Seafood Business Magazine article, James Wright looked at buyer-NGO partnerships in the sustainable seafood movement. The article highlights partnerships between Stop & Shop and the New England Aquarium, Walmart carrying only MSC products by 2011, Trader Joe's and the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and tuna partnerships with the World Wildlife Fund. These partnerships with NGOs allow the buyers to gain scientific information and advising on policies and purchasing decisions with the added bonus of third party credibility.
The article highlights the 11 NGO groups last year that formed the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions and created a "Common Vision for Environmentally Sustainable Seafood." The Conservation Alliance aims to bring solutions to the seafood industry to allow long-term viability for the resource and those that depend on it. Read more about the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions here.
NGOs agree that big companies can't change overnight, but setting goals and removing unsustainable species from their offerings over time can help move companies towards sustainability over time. The article reminds us that sustainability isn't just about the fish and that packaging and social responsibility are important components.
Tobias Aguirre, FishWise's Executive Director, noted that FishWise is one of the few NGOs dedicated solely to sustainable seafood, helping partners realize both conservation and financial results. FishWise believes that change should be demanded by buyers on all levels and that many fisheries can improve over time and become more sustainable.
To read the entire Seafood Business article, click here.