The Co-operative Group shares the objectives of all concerned in the fishing industry; that fish supplies need to be protected by means of management practices
The Co-operative Group is mindful of the diverse environmental and ecological issues associated with the capture of wild fish for the table.
Issues which effect both the biological sustainability of the target species and which have wider eco-system impacts such as; over-fishing, illegal, unregulated and unreported (IUU) fishing and fishing methods which are destructive to the sea bed and marine habitats, are all of concern to us and our customers.
In view of these complex challenges to the responsible sourcing of wild captured fish, the Co-operative operates a strict policy to monitor and control our fish supplies.
Sustainability checklist
The Co-operative Group has devised a unique method of assessing fish supplies that takes all of these issues into account and which, wherever possible, is based on scientific information and advice. This bespoke system examines in detail each product, by species, by fishery and by catching method, so we can clearly identify those species, fisheries and fishing methods which must be avoided and those which should be selected.
We recognise and support the concept of ‘reject the worst, select the best and improve the rest’ and will be working with other concerned stakeholders to ensure that our policies are effective, not just in identifying the problem areas, but in working through managed processes to improve fisheries wherever possible.
The Co-operative Group takes fish sustainability very seriously and is committed to the maintenance of an own brand range of fishery products which gives the consumer a wide choice supported by informed, accurate and highly visible information to enable them to make responsible sourcing a factor in their purchasing decisions should they wish to do so.
The Co-operative Group holds environmental responsibility as an important part of our sustainability agenda and a major element of our brand equity in justifying the consumer trust, which is of paramount importance to us.
Sourcing
Our goal is to operate our fish sourcing in line with the aims and objectives of the Marine Stewardship Council, of which the Co-op has been a member and key supporter since its launch in 1997. To find out more, please visit http://www.msc.org/.
The Co-operative therefore pursues a rigorous policy of selecting and monitoring its seafood suppliers. We work only with suppliers who are able to demonstrate the highest levels of good practice, sourcing from well-managed fisheries and actively avoiding vulnerable species. We do not purchase fish where the origin or method of catch is unknown.
All The Co-operative suppliers are subject to audit and inspection on a regular basis to ensure that the required standards are met.
Blackfish
The Co-operative recognises that there is an ongoing crisis with IUU fish (illegal, unreported & unregulated) coming into the marketplace, otherwise known as ‘blackfish’.
We aim to eradicate any possibility that illegal material should enter our supply chain and will never knowingly purchase such material or deal with suppliers implicated in practices such as:
- Exceeding quota limits
- Fishing outside prescribed areas
- Using banned fishing methods
- Capture and sale of non-target species
In addition, The Co-operative requires it’s suppliers to purchases all fish within a size specification, to discourage the use of undersized fish that are an element of those caught over-quota.
Regulatory bodies are allowed free access to any information maintained by
The Co-operative, which may be of help towards monitoring fish sources.
We expect our suppliers to do the same.
Fishing techniques
The Co-operative specifies the use of selective fishing techniques designed to minimise their effect on other species, marine animals and birds, as well as the ecosystem.
If UK fishermen are catching the fish, we require the vessel to be registered and certified to the Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme. Certification to this scheme demonstrates that a vessel operates to industry good practice guidelines. The scheme gives an assurance to the supply chain and consumers that fish from the vessel has been caught responsibly. See; http://rfs.seafish.org/
Bycatch
Most fisheries are unselective to some degree, in that they incidentally catch other species along with their target catch during the process of fishing. This non-target catch is known as "bycatch". A significant proportion of this bycatch is discarded back into the ocean. Focusing fishing efforts on a narrow range of species is not the most efficient way to harvest marine resources. Learning to process and market a diverse range of species may be a more ecologically sustainable approach in the long term.
The Co-operative will continue to work with our fish suppliers to find ways of reducing the level of bycatch discarded by, amongst other means, identifying and developing products to best utilise a wider range of the fish species commonly caught.
Reviewing the policy
We regularly review our fish sourcing policy, assessing it against a wide variety of information sources. Our approach is to closely monitor the latest scientific advice, taking into account the views expressed by non-government organisations and other interested parties such as marine conservation groups. We also maintain an ongoing review of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.