Yesterday Greenpeace released a new report,
While Stocks Last - Supermarkets And The Future Of Seafood,
which shows that New Zealand supermarkets are selling species that
are in serious trouble, and are being unsustainably fished. (1) The
report warns that unless our fisheries a put on a sustainable
footing now, we are putting at risk fishing industry jobs, our
international reputation and our way of life.
Greenpeace wants New Zealand supermarkets to follow the example
of growing numbers of supermarket chains in Europe and the United
States, which are implementing sustainable seafood policies in
response to customer demand. Some are refusing to stock New Zealand
caught species that are not fished sustainably, such as orange
roughy. (2)
Greenpeace New Zealand oceans campaigner Karli Thomas says that
New Zealand supermarkets are offering weak excuses for not taking
the same action.
"Progressive Enterprises, which owns Foodtown, Woolworths and
Countdown, is quoted today as saying that it has 'limited
visibility across the supply chain, making it difficult to
guarantee that everyone in the supply chain is doing the right
thing'," she said. (3)
Greenpeace has presented supermarkets with clear information on
the poor situation some New Zealand fisheries are in.
"It's not a matter of lack of visibility- it's a matter of not
taking responsibility. Progressive Enterprises has the information,
they are just not acting upon it."
Karli Thomas says the claim by Foodstuffs managing director Tony
Carter that there is no need for a special policy because all fish
caught in New Zealand are sustainably managed under the quota
management system is ridiculous. (4)
"There is ample evidence that the quota management system is not
protecting New Zealand's fisheries," she said. "Orange roughy, for
example, has been in the QMS for 20 years - almost the entire life
of the commercial orange roughy fishery - and yet three of the
eight stocks have collapsed and in some areas stocks were fished
down to as low as three per cent of their original levels."
Thomas says that other statements today by the two supermarket
chains suggests that they realise they will have to take the issue
more seriously. The Press newspaper today quoted Foodstuffs
executive Melissa Hodd as saying the chain is considering the
Greenpeace proposal, and Progressive Enterprises communications
manager Bill Moore as saying the company is working with
Australasian suppliers on the issue. (5)
"Greenpeace has been told by Progressive Enterprises that its
seafood sustainability is dealt with by its parent company in
Australia, Woolworths Limited. But things are falling through the
cracks. In Australia orange roughy has been declared an endangered
species, yet it's still being sold in the company's New Zealand
stores."
Greenpeace has provided both supermarkets chains with a model
sustainable seafood policy that they could put in place. (6)
"What we're looking for now is a sign that they are committed to
this. Taking orange roughy off supermarket shelves would be a good
start," Thomas said.
Ends
Notes:
(1) The report While Stocks Last - Supermarkets And The Future
of Seafood, can be found at:
www.greenpeace.org/new-zealand/press/reports/while-stocks-last
(2) Supermarkets that are no longer selling orange roughy, or
have made a commitment to stop selling it, are Marks and Spencer,
Waitrose and Sainsbury's in Britain, and Whole Foods Market, Ahold
and The Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company in the United
States.
(3) See page 5, New Zealand Herald, May 7, 2009.
(4) See page 5, New Zealand Herald, May 7, 2009.
(5) See page 6, The Press, May 7, 2009.
(6) More information on seafood labelling and a model seafood
sustainability policy is available online at:
http://www.greenpeace.org/international/seafood/changing-your-business/what-is-a-sustainable-seafood
For further information or interviews
Greenpeace New Zealand Oceans Campaigner Karli Thomas 021 905
582
Communications and Media Adelia Hallett on 027 221 7451