Hero Supermarket endorses BAP and BSP programs; Clearwater Seafoods awarded FISH certification

SeafoodSource is closely following the sustainable seafood movement by compiling a regular round-up of sector updates about sustainability initiatives and certifications.

- Portsmouth, New Hampshire U.S.A.-based Global Seafood Alliance announced on 11 December, that Hero Supermarket has endorsed the Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) and Best Seafood Practices (BSP) programs. 

“The Global Seafood Alliance appreciates the opportunity to align with Indonesia supermarket chain Hero Supermarket to advance GSA’s commitment to responsible seafood at the retail level,” GSA Senior Director of Market Development Denise Gurshin said in a release. “Hero Supermarket has a business philosophy to be a trusted modern retail store offering a wide range of high-quality products for the Indonesia market. Their philosophy is a natural link to the BAP and BSP programs and the GSA’s vision of a world that embraces the role of responsible seafood in meeting global nutritional needs. We look forward to seeing BAP and BSP products on Hero Supermarket’s shelves.”

The Banten, Indonesia-based supermarket chain is the second Indonesian retailer to endorse the BAP program, GSA said in a release. The company will now work with the GSA to ensure its products are sourced from BAP- and BSP-certified producers. 

“In response to consumers’ demands for high-quality fresh products from responsible sources, Hero Supermarket is strengthening its position as a growing and responsible retailer. We are committed to providing access to fresh seafood and increasing our customers’ awareness of the health benefits of top-quality, healthy, hygienic seafood that is certified to BAP and BSP standards," the supermarket chain said in a release. "This commitment reflects our values and our dedication to delivering the best and sustainable seafood that benefits everyone.”

- Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada-based seafood harvester and processor Clearwater Seafoods announced seven of its vessels have achieved FISH Standard for Crew certification. Clearwater Seafoods’ newly-certified fleet consists of clam, lobster, and scallop harvesters vessels.

"We are very proud to be the first Canadian company to attain FISH certification, a recognition that is consistent with Clearwater’s commitment to our people, from ocean to plate," Clearwater Seafoods Vice President of Sustainability and Public Affairs Christine Penney said in a release. "FISH’s independent certification process demonstrates to our customers and other stakeholders that our fleet has achieved the highest levels of performance with respect to crew treatment, compensation and onboard conditions."

- The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has released its first-ever "state of the water report,"  the "MSC Canada State of the Water Report 2023.” The report shows the MSC’s in driving progress in fishing at scale, the MSC said.

“We are incredibly proud of and grateful for the high level of engagement and commitment from our fishery partners across Canada over the last 15 years,” MSC Canada Program Director Kurtis Hayne said in a release. “This inaugural MSC State of the Water Report is proof that through a rigorous and science-based program, consumer and market forces have real power to improve how our (sea)food is produced. It’s time now for more Canadian retailers and seafood brands to evaluate their sourcing practices and transparently assess whether they’re truly having the positive impacts on the water that Canadians increasingly demand of the industry.”

In 2022, sales of MSC certified seafood in Canada reached CAD 432 million (USD 317 million, EUR 294 million), up 280 percent over five years, MSC said. 

“To continue delivering positive environmental outcomes in and on our ocean while keeping healthy and nutritious fish and seafood on our plates, it’s imperative that, like our Canadian fisheries, Canadian retailers and seafood brands also aspire to become truly world leading in the adoption of credible sustainable seafood practices,” Hayne said. 

There are currently 26 fisheries certified to the MSC standard in Canada, representing 61 percent of Canada’s national landings. The country also ranks top five worldwide in adoption of the MSC Fisheries program, despite being 23rd globally in wild seafood production.

Photo courtesy of Tsabitha_Jannati/Shutterstock