Global prospects for securing a sustainable seafood supply and protecting ocean ecosystems are improving, thanks to a growing consensus on how best to manage fisheries and fish-farming operations, and new commitments by consumers, major buyers and the fishing community.
That's the conclusion of a research report "Turning the Tide: The State of Seafood" released yesterday by the Monterey Bay Aquarium.
"The State of Seafood" details significant and continuing threats to healthy oceans from mismanagement of wild-caught fisheries and a booming fish-farming sector, and highlights trends that offer hope for the future.
The report also identifies a "Super Green" list of wild and farmed seafood items that are both good for human health and are produced in ways that protect ocean ecosystems. The list was developed in collaboration with scientists from Environmental Defense Fund and the Harvard School of Public Health.
Copies of the seafood report, the open letter from chefs and the Super Green list, are available at www.montereybayaquarium.org/seafoodwatch. The aquarium will update the report every two years.
"Ocean life is still in decline and we clearly need to take urgent action to turn things around," said aquarium Executive Director Julie Packard. "The good news is that we know what it will take, and that key players are working more closely than ever to solve the problems. I'm confident that we can and will create a future with healthy oceans."
