South African retailer Woolworths has pledged to source their farmed seafood from sustainable and responsible operations by 2020.
By the end of 2020, all aquaculture species sold will be from aquaculture operations that are engaged in a credible, time-bound Improvement Project, WWF-SASSI green-listed, or where applicable, ASC (or equivalent) certified.
Hezron Joseph, Woolworths Seafood technologist, said: “Woolworths is dedicated to seafood sustainability and providing the best for our customers. Through our Fishing for the Future program we are helping aquaculture become a more environmentally and socially responsible choice for our customers. Our commitments, which include the ASC, help us achieve this by ensuring that our seafood is responsibly sourced and traceable back to the farm that raised it.”
Esther Luiten, ASC’s Commercial Marketing Manager, said: “I applaud Woolworths for its commitment to responsible aquaculture and recognizing the importance of moving global production to a more sustainable basis. I look forward to working with them as they strive to meet their sustainability goals.”
To meet their commitment, Woolworths hopes to offer consumers ASC certified trout, salmon and shrimp in the near future.