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European Programmes
In Europe, the media has been shining a spotlight on local species in trouble, including cod, haddock and plaice. This recent media interest has highlighted the overall plight of the ocean, including particular problems facing seafood suppliers, and offers an excellent chance to spread awareness of the connection between the choices people make at the dinner table and the status of species in the sea. Conservation organizations in Europe and further afield are encouraging industry and governments to develop policies that favor more sustainable outcomes, while also working to raise awareness of the issue with consumers, retailers, the media and others. Now is a critical time to unite these efforts to help ensure the long-term health of our fisheries and oceans. Initial research confirms that a clear marketplace for sustainable seafood exists in Europe, but that it will only thrive with better information for consumers, large buyers and seafood suppliers. The Vision: A robust seafood choices movement across Europe, with the ultimate goal of empowering the seafood industry – from fishermen and fish farmers to distributors, wholesalers, retailers and restaurants – to join with consumers to make the seafood marketplace environmentally sustainable. By connecting the issue of ocean conservation to the choices we make for the table, we can help ensure a lasting supply of seafood and the continued bounty of the ocean. A Global Alliance: Seafood Choices Alliance, a non-profit trade association first founded in the United States in 2001, expanded its programmes to Europe in 2005 with an official launch at the European Seafood Exposition, the world’s largest seafood event. in Europe, the Alliance currently directs its activities through a U.K. Programme and European Programme (targeting French-speaking countries). Among the current scope of work, the Alliance is leading an important effort with Greenpeace, the Marine Conservation Society, the North Sea Foundation and WWF to provide a trustworthy source of information about seafood that is good for consumers, good for business and good for the ocean. The building blocks of this effort include developing a consistent method for making seafood recommendations, undertaking public opinion research in key markets, and implementing targeted educational programs for consumers and the seafood industry. The Alliance has offices in Paris and London, as well as North America. Julia Roberson Elisabeth Vallet Emily Howgate Melanie Siggs
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More than ever, seafood is a global commodity. Fisheries once associated with a particular town or country are now exported the world over. Many of them are in decline due to overfishing, pollution, habitat destruction and government policy failing to keep pace with the evolving global marketplace. Marine aquaculture is often touted as the solution, yet science shows that this rapidly expanding and largely unregulated sector often comes at a high price to the larger marine ecosystem.© 2006 Seafood Choices Alliance