Australia's first Sustainable Seafood Week 2018

Instead of celebrating the role Australians play in maintaining the health and safety of our sea life for just one day, this will now be stretched over a longer period of time with Australia’s first Sustainable Seafood Week.

Taking place 12–18 March 2018, international non-profit organisation the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has partnered with Taronga Zoo’s Seal Show to emphasise the importance of safeguarding Australian seafood supplies.

Almost every Australian household (95%) purchases some form of seafood every year, and it is predicted that the popularity of seafood will continue to grow. Therefore, it is becoming increasingly important to choose sustainable seafood and consumers can easily identify these products in supermarkets using the MSC blue fish tick.

“Australians consume roughly 19 kg of seafood each year, and it’s only expected to increase in the next decade,” explained MSC ambassador and celebrity chef Scott Gooding. “The MSC blue fish tick guarantees consumers are choosing sustainable seafood that safeguards seafood supplies for future generations.”

The tick can be found on products sold by brands and retailers such as Coles, Woolworths, ALDI, IKEA, John West and Birds Eye.

The Sustainable Seafood Week will also help raise consumer awareness about marine habitats and the complex interplay between species, including native Australian sea lions, according to MSC ambassador, marine scientist and model Laura Wells.

“There’s already strong support for protecting the ocean’s food-chain, with 75% of Australian seafood consumers believing seafood should only come from sustainable sources to help protect marine species such as our beautiful sea lions and seals.

“They are one of many creatures to be affected by unsustainable fishing, and by purchasing MSC’s blue fish tick, consumers are helping to safeguard meals for seals!”

Seafood is a primary protein source for one billion people, and Australians have access to a plethora of certified sustainable seafood. This makes it their responsibility to help maintain the health of our global oceans and protect sea life.

MSC Oceania Program Director Anne Gabriel said, “We’re proud of the support we have from partners such as Taronga Zoo, to highlight the importance of minimising impacts to sea life such as Australian sea lions and seals through choosing seafood which can be traced back to certified sustainable fisheries.

“MSC has set the standard for fisheries across the globe with the world’s most recognised certification program for sustainable, wild caught seafood, ensuring the option is there for consumers to make the right decision to keep their diet, and our native species, forever wild.”

For more information about Sustainable Seafood Week, click here.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/AlexanderRaths