Get
Seafood Smart with SASSI - By Kerry Sink & Jaco Barendse
The Southern African Sustainable Seafood
Initiative (SASSI) has launched a consumer awareness campaign to
help consumers make choices for healthy oceans. The greatest direct impact most
of us ever have on the sea is through our choices in seafood. SASSI found there
was a high degree of non-compliance within the seafood industry as well as a
large demand for endangered species. Poor awareness of marine conservation
issues was also evident. SASSI has responded by engaging with the public,
seafood dealers and fishermen. Species lists have been compiled to help
consumers make choices that are better for the environment, when buying seafood
or dining out.
SASSI is the first campaign of its kind in Africa
and is joined by global seafood awareness campaigns in more than 30 countries.
The initiative is directed by a steering committee that enjoys representation
from all partners and credibility is ensured by a group of scientific experts
who advise on the classification of the different species, based on the most
recent scientific research. The project is seated within the WWF Sanlam Marine
Programme and is funded by the Nedbank Green Trust. Partner organisations
include the Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, Ezemvelo KZN
Wildlife, Two Oceans Aquarium, Seaworld at Ushaka Marine World, the South
African Institute of Aquatic Biodiversity and the Endangered Wildlife Trust.
The key message is that not all seafood is equal. Some seafood types come from
species that grow faster and breed earlier and some come from stocks that are
well managed while other seafood species come from declining stocks or even
collapsed fisheries. Then, seafoods are caught by different methods which have
different conservation implications. By choosing more sustainable options we
ensure we still have seafood choices in the future. To help the consumer, SASSI
have compiled species lists. Species, or in some cases groups of similar
species have been placed into different colour categories.
Each colour has a different meaning:
Red Species: No-Sale
These species are specially protected,
restricted, or no-sale species that are illegal to buy or sell according to the
law. These species should NEVER be offered for sale, or bought although some
may be enjoyed at home if caught by licensed recreational anglers. Make sure
you look at the latest regulations.
Green Species: Best Options
These are species that are from relatively
healthy and well-managed populations that can sustain current fishing pressure.
These species are recommended as the most sustainable choices available.
Orange Species: Species of concern
These species may be sold legally by registered commercial fishers and
retailers. However, an increased demand for these could compromise a
sustainable supply, due to one or more of the following reasons:
-
Scientific stock assessments show that the stock is
overexploited or collapsed
-
The fishing method employed to catch them may cause excessive
damage to the environment and /or ecosystem;
-
The species has not been properly studied, but it is suspected
that it will be unable to sustain heavy fishing pressure, based on information
for related species.
SASSI has three main objectives:
-
Achieve voluntary compliance with the Marine Living Resources
Act
and its amendments.
-
Shift seafood demand away from overexploited species.
-
Improve awareness of marine conservation issues.
We hope to empower consumers to make informed
seafood choices. Your choice CAN make a difference.
Click
here to
down load your pocket guide
Further information and a comprehensive database
can be found on the SASSI website www.wwf.org.za/sassi/
For more information visit:
www.ewt.org.za
Links:
No Fish in My Dish
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