SeaChoice

SeaChoice is a Canadian sustainable seafood advisory organization. It aims to help consumers and businesses make informed seafood choices that support healthy oceans and thriving fisheries. SeaChoice is not a certification body but rather a collaborative of several environmental organizations.

Mission and Activities

SeaChoice's primary focus is on providing science-based assessments of seafood sustainability, rating various seafood species and fishing/farming methods. This information is made available to consumers and businesses to guide their purchasing decisions. The organization works with retailers, restaurants, and suppliers to promote sustainable sourcing policies and practices.

SeaChoice uses a "traffic light" system to categorize seafood:

• Green: Best Choice - Seafood from healthy, well-managed populations and fisheries or aquaculture operations with minimal environmental impact.
• Yellow: Some Concerns - Seafood that may have some sustainability concerns, requiring more careful evaluation.
• Red: Avoid - Seafood from overfished populations or environmentally damaging fishing/farming practices.

Partnerships and Collaboration

SeaChoice is a partnership consisting of the David Suzuki Foundation, Ecology Action Centre, and Living Oceans Society. Through these partnerships, SeaChoice amplifies its reach and impact on sustainable seafood practices across Canada. The organization also works collaboratively with other environmental groups, industry stakeholders, and government agencies.

Criticism and Limitations

Like other seafood advisory organizations, SeaChoice faces scrutiny regarding its assessment methods, data sources, and potential biases. The complexity of fisheries and aquaculture management, combined with evolving scientific understanding, can lead to debates about specific ratings. Furthermore, the scope of SeaChoice’s influence is limited by its geographic focus (Canada) and its reliance on voluntary adoption of its recommendations.