Sustainable Seafood

 

Fisheries and aquaculture play a critical role in supporting food security for the global population both today and into the future. Worldwide, annual seafood production is massive. Global catch within wild capture fisheries has reached over 180 million tons annually. While globally, aquaculture now provides over 50% of the seafood we eat. As of 2021, over 20% of the global population directly depends on seafood as an important source of protein.  Though historically, the oceans were seen as a limitless resource, today, we know that humanity has significant impacts on aquatic species and environments.


 

Choosing Ocean Wise recommended sustainable seafood helps ensure that the global population can continue to enjoy seafood for generations to come.

 
Look for the Ocean Wise Seafood symbol when purchasing seafood to ensure you’re making the best choice for our oceans. Ocean Wise recommendations cover both farmed and wild seafood options.

Sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices include:

1.    Harvest that ensures healthy and resilient stocks/populations
2.    Use of effective and adaptive regulations, management, and enforcement
3.    Limit negative impacts on habitats, non-target species, and the greater ecosystem

We at Ocean Wise recognise that choosing sustainable seafood can be challenging as the factors that contribute to a seafood’s sustainability are complex. To learn more about what makes a seafood Ocean Wise, visit our Standards. Or to find Ocean Wise seafood view our recommendations or visit our partner map.

Seafood Guide

Seafood Guide

Navigating the world of sustainable seafood can be challenging and difficult. Download and print our handy guide to help you make sustainable seafood purchasing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Sustainable Seafood

    Can farmed seafood be sustainable?

    It depends on what species is being farmed and how it's farmed. In some cases, the farmed option is far better than the wild counterpart, such as mussels, clams, oysters and scallops.

    What is sustainable seafood?

    Sustainable seafood can be defined as species that are caught or farmed in a way that ensures the long-term health and stability of that species, as well as the greater marine ecosystem. Ocean Wise Seafood defines sustainability based on four criteria. An Ocean Wise Seafood recommended species is:
    1. Abundant and resilient to fishing pressures.
    2. Well managed with a comprehensive management plan based on current research.
    3. Harvested in a method that ensures limited bycatch on non-target and endangered species.
    4. Harvested in ways that limit damage to marine or aquatic habitats and negative interactions with other species.

    How are the Ocean Wise sustainable seafood choices evaluated and recommended?

    The sustainability of each species harvested for seafood is evaluated on an individual basis. We review the current scientific literature and speak with researchers from governmental and non-governmental organizations, academic researchers and researchers from Ocean Wise Seafood. Learn more about our Ocean Wise recommendations.

    Is sustainable seafood more expensive?

    Not necessarily. You may already be using a sustainable seafood item without knowing it. There are also great under-utilized species that are relatively inexpensive, such as mussels and sardines. Not to mention, responsible fishing and harvesting practices often equate to higher quality seafood.

    What is the difference between Ocean Wise Seafood and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)?

    Ocean Wise Seafood is a recommendation program, whereas MSC is a certification program. Ocean Wise Seafood uses the sustainability criteria developed by Seafood Watch whereas the MSC has developed its own standards for sustainable fishing and seafood traceability. Authorized third-party certifying bodies assess and audit the fisheries against the MSC standard.  Ocean Wise Seafood and the MSC have different criteria for sustainability and thus not all MSC certified fisheries are Ocean Wise recommended.

    Where can I find Ocean Wise Seafood partners?

    You can find a list of our official Ocean Wise Seafood restaurants, suppliers, and retailers here. 

85%

of the world’s assessed fish stocks are currently over-exploited or at full capacity.

4 of 10

4 of every 10 fish caught are bycatch

48%

of the major fish stocks in Canadian waters are considered ‘healthy’

1B

Seafood is the primary source of protein for over one billion people

Get Involved

Are you passionate about the future of our oceans? We’re always looking for ambassadors to help support our mission. Get connected and join us in the sustainable seafood movement today.

View All