Sustainability assessments of seafood from capture fisheries – key issues for a more needs-based tool

Defining what may be seen as sustainable seafood is complex – there is a multitude of aspects and production systems to consider. As a response to this challenge, several market-based assessments exist today with the aim to simplify and support promotion of sustainable seafood. In Sweden, the most important ones are the WWF Sustainable Seafood Guide, the certification Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Swedish label for organic food (KRAV). Due to challenges identified with these existing assessments, companies may also have their internal assessments. One example is the company Orkla who has done their own seafood sustainability assessment since 2009. To secure a long-term sustainable seafood sector in Sweden, there is a need for improved understanding of the different tools, and if and how a more needs-based tool could be developed for the industry in Sweden. The purpose of this report is to provide an overview of the different tools, gather input from actors along the value chain on their needs and provide a basis for discussion on alternative paths ahead. Overall, the report finds both similarities and differences between the tools. Mixed messages are conveyed for the same products when assessed by the different tools, highlighting current challenges for value chain actors, and examples are provided where and how differences may arise. To this end, current situation cause confusion for companies who want to set their sustainability targets related to sustainable seafood. Cost-effectiveness could also be improved by increased collaboration, but it is unclear how this best may be achieved.