Canadian retailer Metro Inc is to implement a sustainable fisheries policy with a view to offer its customers fresh and frozen wild and farmed seafood products from sustainable fisheries.
Gradually implemented throughout 2010, this policy will be in effect by June 2011 for all fresh or frozen wild and farmed seafood products sold by Metro.
Metro's decisions related to sustainable fisheries will take into account official scientific opinions on the status of species, but also the points of view of all stakeholders.
The Montreal-based company said that since fishing techniques, and the health of ocean species and ecosystems are constantly evolving, it will regularly update its species-specific diagnoses, based on the latest facts and scientific reports. It will also regularly seek out independent scientific opinions.
Starting in September 2010, Metro will stop selling a number of threatened species and will change its product labelling. It will train store employees to prepare them to answer customers' questions regarding sustainable fisheries products. Metro will also rely on labelling and practical advice to inform its customers and raise their awareness.
The sustainable fisheries policy will be based on four core criteria:
1. Procurement will be limited to species and fishing areas whose renewal is ensured given their individual stocks and catch rates.
2. Fisheries and aquaculture farms supplying Metro must prove that they use sustainable fishing methods.
3. The supply chain from the fishing area to the consumer must be documented to allow for informative and transparent labelling.
4. In keeping with its values and the principles of sustainable development, Metro intends for its sustainable fisheries policy to help support small local fisheries. Metro also plans to buy from fisheries that respect labour law.
All Metro suppliers must sign a code of conduct attesting to their commitment to respecting these criteria.
Metro will encourage its suppliers of wild and farmed seafood products to follow a continuous improvement process.
The company will favour suppliers who make tangible progress toward the sustainable management of their activities, the traceability of their products and the application of recognised standards.
