Nova Scotia-based High Liner Goods Incorporated achieved 99% of its goal to source all its seafood from “certified sustainable or responsible” fisheries and aquaculture by the end of 2013.
Of the eight major species of fish and shellfish that the North American value-added frozen seafood company purchases, it has achieved 100% of its goal for Atlantic cod, haddock, pollock, sole/flounder, Pacific cod and Pacific salmon. The company has achieved 98% of its commitment for tilapia and 91% for shrimp.
“Three years ago, we set an ambitious goal that fundamentally changed the way we do business, and I’m very proud that we’ve achieved 99% of that goal,” said Henry Demone, CEO, High Liner Foods.
Among the species that don’t currently meet High Liner’s sustainability criteria are various species of squid, ocean perch and small, wild shrimp.
The company recently published a report documenting some of the major fishery improvement projects it’s participated in, along with areas of the business where its sustainability focus is expanding, such as packaging, energy efficiency and carbon footprint.
High Liner’s ongoing commitment is that 100% of wild-caught or farmed products must come from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certified fisheries or aquaculture farms.
In addition, those fisheries and farms not certified sustainable must be actively working toward certification and capable of documenting measureable improvements.
The 99% achievement rate does not include American Pride Seafoods LLC, which High Liner acquired in October 2013, and will be integrating into its operations in 2014.
