‘At a turning point’
Canadians fear for their favourite seafood
A new survey reveals that one in three Canadians are worried their favourite fish and seafood won’t be around in 20 years to be enjoyed.
The recent survey, which comes on the heels of World Oceans Day, was conducted on behalf of the non-profit Marine Stewardship Council and focuses on the fact the health of the ocean is driving a wave of concern among Canadian consumers to the point it’s now influencing their buying habits. The survey shows the majority of Canadians see sustainable seafood as a way to protect the ocean and safeguard fish and seafood stocks.
The survey, conducted by independent insights consultancy, Globescan, reveals that half (56 per cent) of Canadian seafood shoppers have already made changes to the way they choose to buy seafood in the last year in order to protect fish and seafood in the ocean.
What may be fuelling this consumer activism is the worry held by nearly one in three Canadians that their favourite fish like salmon, shrimp/prawns, lobster, tuna, and cod will not be available to eat in the next 20 years. In addition, the survey shows a higher proportion of 18- to 24-year-olds fear their favourite fish may be off the menu by 2040 compared to people 55 and older.
“Right now we are at a turning point to be able to give the next generation a healthy ocean with an abundance of marine life, but it depends on what we all do now,” says Brian Perkins, regional director Americas at the Marine Stewardship Council, (MSC). “Canadians are aware of the number of stressors that impact the ocean like overfishing, ocean pollution and climate change.
“This survey shows they want to make a meaningful difference by supporting fish and seafood products that are sustainably sourced.”
The ways that concerned consumers are choosing to “vote with their forks” include switching to brands or products that help protect the ocean or fish, buying different seafood species, and changing where they buy seafood.
The good news says Perkins is Canadian seafood consumers know sustainable seafood is important: Six in 10 respondents are aware that choosing sustainable seafood does make a difference to the health of the ocean. Despite this, only 26 per cent of Canadian seafood consumers notice ecolabels while grocery shopping, which is significantly less than the global average (41 per cent).
Research shows oceans contain up to 80 per cent of life on Earth, with seafood providing an important source of protein to more than three billion people across the world. However, a third of fisheries around the world have been fished beyond sustainable limits, and a further 60 per cent are fished to their maximum capacity.
To honour World Oceans Day, and to protect the ocean and conserve fish and seafood stocks for future generations, the MSC is launching a new campaign called Little Blue Label, Big Blue Future, indicating certified wild, sustainable, and traceable seafood.
“What we choose to put on our plates today will impact the future health of the ocean,” says Perkins. “All of us have a role to play. From the fisheries that are committed to sustainable practices that allow fish populations and the ecosystems they depend on to remain healthy, to Canadians who choose sustainably sourced fish and seafood at grocery stores and restaurants.”