SASSI

17 Apr 12

The unsustainable harvest of the world’s oceans has led to the depletion, and in some cases collapse, of many major fish stocks globally. While the outlook for these threatened marine ecosystems remains bleak in the face of unsustainable fishing practices, those involved in the seafood industry are realising that the long-term viability of their industry can be ensured by re-assessing the way they conduct business. 

The WWF’s response to the deepening crisis was to seek out key retailer partners with whom to strategically work through the chain of custody, at one end informing consumers about the threat to our marine ecosystems to influence demand, while at the other engaging with the fishing industry around responsible harvesting.

Pick n Pay has been actively engaging with WWF-SA and the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF SASSI) through SASSI’s Retailer Participation Scheme since its inception and, in 2010, signed a partnership agreement with the WWF to support the conservation organisation’s Sustainable Fisheries Programme, of which WWF SASSI forms a part.

Pick n Pay is the first retailer in Africa to commit to transforming their entire fresh, frozen and canned seafood operations by the end of 2015. The three-year partnership agreement, worth R6.1 million, aims to restore over-exploited fish stocks to sustainably managed levels, while maintaining or improving the state of other stocks. 

And it doesn’t stop at where you buy your fish – remember that all restaurants should also stock sustainably sourced fish. Remember to always ask questions about your seafood. Also, try and order a SASSI ‘green-listed’ fish, and make a positive difference to the health of our marine resources.  

If you’re unsure of the fish you want to order, SMS the name of the fish to 079-499-8795 and SASSI will SMS you back – it’s that simple! Standard SMS rates apply.