Behind the Signs—A Global Review of Fish Sustainability Information Schemes

Abstract

This article presents the results of a global review of organizations that provide sustainable fisheries information—including ecolabels, recommendation lists, and supermarkets—to consumers and supply chain intermediaries. It examined 17 organizations and key supermarkets that communicate on the sustainability of world fisheries and aquaculture products. Certification schemes assess a relatively small number of specific fisheries and indicate sustainability through labels. Recommendation lists cover more species and areas but in less detail. Most schemes showed improving conformance with FAO guidelines for fisheries and aquaculture certification. However, significant variation in fisheries’ assessment exists, calling into question the accuracy and precision of information and advice provided. Inconsistent approaches and contradictory advice among certification schemes and recommendation lists potentially increase consumer confusion and reduce their credibility. The review identifies seven critical attributes that schemes must address—scope, accuracy, independence, precision, transparency, standardization, and cost-effectiveness—and recommends that certification schemes and recommendation lists enhance their consistency and credibility through compliance with these attributes and FAO guidelines. Fish sustainability information schemes play an important role in securing a sustainable future for the oceans. Uptake of this review's recommendations should reduce consumer confusion and increase confidence in the benefits of sustainable purchasing.