Sustainable Seafood

Over one billion people depend on seafood as their primary source of protein. However, overfishing is one of the biggest threats facing our oceans today. Roughly 90 per cent of the world’s fish stocks are now fully fished or overfished according to the most recent report by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This leaves just 10 per cent of fish stocks underfished – a number that has decreased almost continuously since 1974.

Per capita fish consumption has been on the rise since the 1960s – when it averaged 9.9kg – to over 20kg in 2014. As the global population continues to grow, the need for sustainable and healthy protein sources is key and seafood will play an important role. Resources from our world’s oceans are not as unlimited as we once thought. Choosing to eat Ocean Wise recommended sustainable seafood helps to relieve the pressure on overfished species and ensures that we will be able to continue to enjoy seafood for generations to come. Look for the Ocean Wise symbol when buying seafood to ensure you’re making the best choice for our oceans.

Ocean Wise’s recommendations are based on 4 criteria. An Ocean Wise 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.

Ocean Wise’s classification system is based on two categories: Ocean Wise or Not Recommended, simply a good or bad choice for our oceans. Species are regularly updated or reclassified with the latest scientific information. Classifications, including changes to and Ocean Wise recommendations are provided regularly to Ocean Wise partners. Learn more about our recommendation policy or find a sustainable seafood option. You can learn more about some of the different fishing and farming techniques from the links below.

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 defines sustainability based on four criteria. An Ocean Wise 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. 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 and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)?

    Ocean Wise is a recommendation program, whereas MSC is a certification program. Ocean Wise 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 and the MSC have different criteria for sustainability and thus not all MSC certified fisheries are Ocean Wise.

    Where can I find Ocean Wise partners?

    You can find a list of our official Ocean Wise 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.

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