Sustainable Seafood Day, an annual initiative by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), will take place on Friday March 31.
Aimed at bringing government, industry, partners, NGOs and all those involved along the supply chain together, Sustainable Seafood Day is a gathering to acknowledge the commitments demonstrated thus far as much as it is a reminder for Australian consumers to do their part to ensure our oceans are teeming with life for generations to come.
According to the Marine Stewardship Council, 85 per cent of Australians purchase seafood regularly, which equates to roughly 27.3kg annually per person and scientists are expecting this consumption to rise to 20 per cent by 2025.
These figures highlight the importance of choosing sustainable seafood to secure the future of our oceans not just for its bio diversity and source of food, but in maintaining livelihoods and socio-economic prosperity for generations to come.
“Australia is certainly a country of seafood and ocean lovers. We are lucky to have vast and beautiful oceans that contain important natural and biological resources. They supply food, play a significant role in determining our climate, and are fundamental to our national identity. By choosing MSC certified seafood, both organisations and consumers are making the best choice for the environment and industry alike,” said Anne Gabriel, MSC Oceania Program Director.
The MSC is an international charity that runs a standard and eco labelling program for wild-capture seafood to help keep ocean’s healthy. Currently, 16 per cent of commercial wild caught seafood in Australia is MSC certified, with more than 20,000 seafood products with the MSC ecolabel around the world.