EU customers demand seafood transparency

While EU consumers are generally informed about fresh and frozen seafood, they often lack critical details when it comes to processed products like canned tuna, fish fingers and surimi, especially when dining out.

“Consumers have spoken, and the numbers show that they want to know more about the fish they eat,” said Vanya Vulperhorst, director of Oceana’s illegal fishing and transparency campaign in Europe.

“Understanding the origin, species and catch method of the seafood we consume is crucial for making informed choices.

“We call on the European Commission to listen to citizens and require more information on processed seafood products in the EU market.”

Key findings in the poll show that 82.5% of those surveyed want more information about the origin of the seafood they consume. Furthermore, 87% of respondents emphasised the importance of knowing the species used in processed seafood, and 82% expressed a desire to learn about the fishing methods employed.

Environmental concerns also play a significant role, with 79% of participants wanting to know if the fish is overexploited, and 81% interested in the environmental impacts of fishing methods, including risks to protected species.

Oceana is urging the European Commission and Commissioner-designate for Fisheries and Oceans, Costas Kadis, to revise the Common Market Organisation Regulation, calling for the mandatory disclosure of species, origin, fishing gear and production methods for all seafood products, including those served in restaurants.

Oceana has created the ‘Follow the Fish’ movement which seeks to ensure consumers can make informed choices about the seafood they buy and consume.