Seafood Sustainability

In the Fall of 2011, Whole Foods Market discontinued carrying seafood not rated by Blue Ocean Institute, one of its partners in
seafood sustainability.  Essentially, this means all seafood must be inspected and scrutinized in all areas related to sustainability including (but not limited to): fishing methods, overfishing, and habitat destruction.  These quality standards will be enforced and must be met before the product is sold in stores.

The latter half of the plan includes discontinuing seafood which receives a red rating from the Blue Ocean Institute.  A red rating means the fish is not being fished within the parameters ensuring long lasting health of species.  Instead of carrying red-rated fish, Whole Foods Market sources from fishermen who practice fishing methods limiting (and in some cases, completely removing) any chance of endangering the species. One example includes “troll-caught” Coho Salmon the store recently carried for its Friday One Day Deal.  Each fish was caught with a hook and line, meaning one fish at a time.  This ensured no other species was mistakenly caught in the nets.  The tentative date for this latter half plan is set for Earth Day of 2012.

The above guidelines continue to set industry standards.  If you have questions, please email Jimmy, the Seafood Assistant Team Leader, at james.rohr@wholefoods.com.