Exploring the Seafood Watch Program: How to Make Sustainable Seafood Choices

In this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, Andrew and Jen Dianto Kemmerly from the Monterey Bay Aquarium discuss the Seafood Watch program. Jenn, the Vice President of Global Ocean Conservation, shares her journey to working with the program and the importance of making informed choices when it comes to seafood. They discuss the challenges of finding sustainable seafood and how the Seafood Watch app helps consumers make better choices.

Tune in to learn more about the Seafood Watch program and how it is helping to protect the ocean.

Seafood Watch: https://www.seafoodwatch.org/

The podcast episode emphasizes the importance of sustainability in the fishing industry and highlights how individuals can play a role in promoting sustainability by asking for sustainable seafood options. Andrew Lewin, the host, discusses the dire situation in some cases, where fish populations are overfished and other species and ecosystems are impacted. This calls for action to ensure the long-term health of the environment and the fishing industry. Jennifer Dianto Kemmerly explains that consumer demand can drive sustainability, as individuals can ask questions about the sustainability of seafood and express their preference for environmentally responsible sourcing. In fact, over 85% of the largest retailers and restaurant groups in the US have commitments to sourcing from environmentally responsible fisheries and aquaculture operations, showing that consumer demand can have a significant impact on industry practices. By caring about sustainability and asking for sustainable seafood options, individuals can contribute to the conservation of marine species and ecosystems.

According to the episode, social media has become a valuable tool for communicating information about sustainable seafood and engaging with interested individuals. In the past, organizations like the aquarium relied on traditional methods such as handing out paper pocket guides to educate the public about sustainable seafood. However, with the rise of social media, they now have a new and effective way to reach a larger audience.

Social media platforms provide a means for organizations like the aquarium to share information and updates about sustainable seafood practices. By utilizing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, they can communicate directly with individuals who are interested in this information. This allows them to engage with their audience and provide ongoing updates and educational content.

One of the benefits of using social media is that it allows for continuous engagement with the audience. By posting content regularly, organizations can ensure that their message continues to show up in front of their followers. This increases the likelihood that individuals will continue to engage with the content and stay informed about sustainable seafood practices.

Additionally, social media provides an opportunity for organizations to address specific questions or concerns that individuals may have. By responding to comments and messages, they can provide personalized information and guidance. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who may have specific dietary restrictions or concerns about the environmental impact of certain seafood choices.

Furthermore, social media allows organizations to collaborate with other stakeholders and influencers in the sustainable seafood movement. Celebrity chefs and other influential figures can help amplify the message and reach an even wider audience. By partnering with these individuals, organizations can leverage their platforms and increase awareness about sustainable seafood practices.

Overall, social media has revolutionized the way organizations communicate about sustainable seafood. It provides a platform for ongoing engagement, personalized communication, and collaboration with other stakeholders. By utilizing social media effectively, organizations can reach a larger audience and promote the importance of responsible seafood sourcing to ensure the long-term health of our oceans and coastal environments.

In the episode, it is discussed that the market has the power to drive demand for sustainable seafood. This means that consumers, whether they are dining out or shopping for seafood, have the ability to make a difference by asking questions and showing that they care about sustainability. By inquiring about the sustainability of the seafood they are purchasing, consumers can influence the decisions of restaurateurs and retailers.

The podcast highlights that if enough people start asking these questions and expressing their concerns about sustainability, businesses will take notice. In fact, over 85% of the largest retailers and restaurant groups in the US have made commitments to sourcing from environmentally responsible fisheries and aquaculture operations. This demonstrates that consumer demand for sustainable seafood has already driven significant changes in the industry.

The importance of this market demand for sustainable seafood is emphasized throughout the episode. It is stated that without a persistent, loud public voice demanding sustainable and environmentally responsible seafood, the opportunity for improvement in the industry would be lost. Market pressure is crucial in driving these improvements and ensuring that seafood is sourced in a way that does not deplete fish populations, harm other species, or damage ecosystems and habitats.

The episode also mentions that the market demand for sustainable seafood has led to partnerships between the marine conservation community, businesses, and seafood industries in various countries. These partnerships aim to help seafood suppliers make improvements in their practices to meet the market demand for sustainability. Examples of such projects include working in Chile to improve farm salmon production and in Vietnam to improve tiger shrimp production.

Overall, the episode highlights the power of the market in driving demand for sustainable seafood. By expressing their concerns and making sustainable choices, consumers can contribute to a healthier environment and industry by ensuring the long-term sustainability of seafood resources.