Perspective on Seafood Consumption Highlights Sustainability

April 22, 2009 Washington Consumers interested in shopping for seafood often dont realize they probably already buy sustainably managed fish.

Worldwide focus on sustainability has highlighted the success of U.S. fish stock management with more than 80 percent of domestic stocks listed as sustainably-managed. But beyond regulators, American consumers deserve to be recognized for their sustainable shopping.

If you look at the top 10 most commonly eaten seafood species youll find a list of fish that are all sustainably managed and have sustainability oversight in place, said John Connelly, president of the National Fisheries Institute.

The top 10 species make up more than 90 percent of all the seafood eaten in this country annually.

If Americans are looking for sustainable seafood they need look no further than their own grocery cart, said Connelly. Americans prefers things like shrimp, salmon, canned tuna, pollock and clams sustainable choices.

With consumers making naturally sustainable purchases Americans are starting to appreciate a new perspective on the healthy, affordable product that is seafood.

The seafood community is beginning to be recognized for the role it plays in sustainability efforts, perhaps its time consumers are recognized as well, said Connelly.

For more than 60 years, the National Fisheries Institute (NFI) and its members have provided American families with the variety of sustainable seafood essential to a healthy diet. For more information visit: www.AboutSeafood.com.

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Contact Information

Gavin Gibbons
(703) 752-8891
ggibbons@nfi.org