Australians are being encouraged to choose New Zealand seafood on Sustainable Seafood Day on March 31st. Over 50 per cent of New Zealand’s wild catch is now certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.
“With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and ever-increasing demands for food, it’s vital that marine habitats are protected by maintaining environmentally sustainable, productive fisheries,” said Jo-Anne McCrea, World Wildlife Fund Australian Fisheries and Seafood Manager.
Sustainable Seafood Day is an annual initiative by the Marine Stewardship Council to serve as a reminder for consumers to do their part in supporting a sustainable fishing industry. The news was welcomed by the New Zealand fishing industry.
“It is a proud moment to see New Zealand’s fisheries being recognised as sustainable. It validates the New Zealand seafood industry and government’s ongoing investment into sound, scientifically grounded fisheries management and our desire to meet these rigorous global standards,” said George Clement, Deepwater Group Chief Executive.
