Planning a seafood feast this Christmas? Want to do the right thing for sustainable seafood supply, the environment and your health? Here is your guide to making informed choices that support sustainable practices.
What is sustainable seafood?
Whether farmed or wild-caught, sustainable fishing avoids overfishing and bycatch, manages pollution and disease, considers climate impacts, preserves habitats, has traceable supply chains and protects human rights.
Making sustainable seafood choices is not just about protecting the marine environment; it’s also about ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same abundant and diverse seafood that we do. By supporting sustainable fishing practices, you contribute to the preservation of marine biodiversity and the health of our oceans.
How do I know if my seafood choice is sustainable?
Look for the ticks of approval.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit that recognises and rewards sustainable fishing practices using the MSC blue fish tick label. The blue tick has been around since 2000 and aims to influence the choices people make to ensure the world’s oceans remain full and seafood supplies are safeguarded.
The Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) is an international non-government organisation that sets the standard for farmed seafood. The ASC standard prioritises farm management, environmental responsibility, fish welfare and social responsibility.
When you see the MSC or ASC tick you know it comes from a certified sustainable fishery or responsible farm.
Sustainable Seafood Guide
GoodFish is an initiative of the Australian Marine Conservation Society, designed to help us understand more about our seafood. The GoodFish website and app give a detailed guide of more than 160 seafoods available in fish markets and supermarkets, rating different species based on their environmental impact, fishing methods and population health. The search function allows you to filter according to Better Choice, Eat Less, Say No and Under Review, whether wild-caught or farmed and by state of origin.
Where to buy seafood locally
I encourage you to support our local fish markets allowing you to get the freshest fish while supporting sustainable practices and small business.
The gold standard is Harley and Johns at Fairy Meadow, the first independent seafood market in NSW to be certified under the MSC blue tick, and 2024 winner of the Community Champion – Local Award from the Marine Stewardship Council. Owner Grant Logue and his team sell a wide variety of high-quality sustainable seafood with an emphasis on locally sourced. A move is in store for the team with the site in Daisy St to be redeveloped.
Other local fish markets include Harbourside at North Wollongong, Seafood Brothers at Figtree Grove, Aish’s at Berkeley, Shellharbour Square Fish Market and Kiama Fish Market.
And if you’re heading south during the holiday season, drop into the Bermagui Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ulladulla Fisherman’s Co-op for the freshest of the fresh.
So this Christmas delight your family with seafood dishes that are delicious and environmentally responsible. Whether you're opting for wild-caught fish with low environmental impact or sustainably farmed seafood, you can enjoy your festive meals supporting practices that ensure there will be more fish in the sea.
Top three websites for sustainable seafood
- The ultimate hub of Australian seafood species information, including hundreds of recipes – Sydney Fish Market.
- Sustainable wild-caught seafood and the MSC blue tick – https://www.msc.org/en-au
- GoodFish sustainable seafood guide – https://goodfish.org.au/