Where does my seafood come from?

“Where does my seafood come from?’ is a simple question, with no simple answers in Canada. A package of frozen fish labelled ‘product of China’ might well have been caught right here; and the ‘product of Canada’ fish sticks might contain fish from anywhere in the world, so long as they’re processed within Canada. The rules make it difficult to determine the source of your seafood, or ensure you aren’t supporting illegal fishing, slavery or other abusive practices when you buy seafood.

Last month, the House of Commons Standing Committee on Fisheries and Oceans released the “Traceability of Fish and Seafood Products” report and recommendations. The committee’s 13 recommendations are designed to strengthen Canada’s lax traceability and labelling requirements for domestic and imported seafood.

SeaChoice presented to the committee, calling for the federal government to accept and implement the recommendations in full. Doing so could position Canada as a world leader in promoting sustainable fisheries management, deterring illegal practices, verifying environmental and social responsibility claims and encouraging Canadians to support local, sustainable seafood producers.