It was less than six months ago that national retailer Target completely ditched farm-raised salmon in favor of the environmentally conscious wild-caught variety. Now Whole Foods is getting in on the action. The national retailer has announced it will carry only Marine Stewardship Council-certified sustainable swordfish from Nova Scotia this summer.
Not too long ago, swordfish was widely considered overfished. Over the past ten years, national efforts to keep
the animal off plates have allowed North Atlantic stocks to rebuild. But the fish isn't considered to be out of deep water yet. Greenpeace this year red-listed swordfish,
saying the species is still the subject of unsustainable and
destructive fishing practices that have a negative impact on
surrounding natural habitats.
The Monterrey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch List,
on the other hand, rates North Atlantic and Hawaiian swordfish as a
"best choice" fish. Yet, it also warns against purchasing the imported
variety. Restrictions against longline fishing, which threatens species
such as sea turtles, seabirds, and sharks, don't exist outside of North
American waters.
The Nova Scotia swordfish stocked by Whole
Foods is harpoon-caught, a method widely considered the most
sustainable. Because most of the fleet responsible for the stock is
composed of small, family-run vessels, the time from dock to table on
this type of swordfish is usually less than 48 hours. It also has very
low environmental impact.
It's good news that national retailers like Target and Whole Foods are getting on board with sustainable fishing.
Gulf Seafood Hotline
The
Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered
with retailers on a program to support the Florida seafood industry.
Stores such as Publix, Kroger, and Central Market will be promoting
Gulf seafood through August 16 with signs that say "Florida Gulf Safe"
and "Fresh From Florida Seafood." Florida Agriculture Commissioner
Charles H. Bronson said, "This promotion will help get out the message
that Florida seafood is safe, plentiful, and available."
Consumers
with questions about the safety, pricing, or availability of Florida
Gulf seafood now have a hotline to call too. Reach the toll-free
Florida Seafood Hotline at 800-357-4273. Or you can visit FL-Seafood.com.
