Sustainable Seafood - Friend of The Sea

Friend of The Sea

Friend of the Sea is a non-profit international organization that supports the conservation of oceans. It was founded by Dr. Paolo Bay who started the sustainable seafood movement in Europe. Friends of the Sea uses aquaculture and certified fisheries to maintain the seafood stock. The certified fisheries are audited by International Organization for Standardization. The criteria to become a certified fishery is:

  • The fish stock may not be overexploited
  • No habitat destruction
  • No bycatch of endangered species
  • Must follow all laws and regulations
  • Reduction of the carbon footprint

Currently 30 fisheries around the world are certified under the Friends of the Sea.

The Friends of The Sea also participate in the certification of aquaculture. The establishment of aquaculture helps reduce the number of wild species caught. The ISO also audits the aquaculture farms before certification. The criteria of aquaculture is:

  • There is no environmental impact where the farm is placed
  • Must follow all waste water guidelines
  • A very low percentage of escapes
  • No genetically modified organisms, growth hormones, or antibiotics
  • Reduction of the carbon footprint

In 2004, aquaculture accounted for 32% of the total production of fish. Aquaculture is becoming more popular with a 8% rise per year in the last 30 years. Currently there are 75 aquaculture certified by Friends of the Sea.

Read more about this topic:  Sustainable Seafood

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