Fish Forward – sustainable seafood for the environment, people and developing countries

A project launched during the European Year for Development, co-financed by the EU, for more environmental, social and economic sustainability in fish and seafood consumption.

In 2015, WWF started an ambitious project in 11 member states of the European Union. A project to increase consumer awareness of the global ecological and social consequences their fish consumption has. After all, our seas are over fished.

At 23%[1] the EU is the main importer of fish and seafood in the world. Half of this [2] comes from developing countries. Fishing and fish farming have direct effects on poverty alleviation and food security for more than 800 million people. [3]

An awareness campaign will show how our fish consumption can change the world: how each consumer can contribute to a more responsible global economy for humans and nature by independently and consciously buying sustainable products.

Project pillars

  • Improve understanding among consumers of the necessity to buy sustainably
  • Presentation of living conditions of fishing communities in developing countries in multiple case studies
  • Motivation and advice for the retail sector to source sustainable and responsible seafood products in their product range
  • Promotion of laws and guidelines supporting legal, sustainable and responsible production of seafood
  • Preparation of scientific studies

Project countries:

Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain

Project duration:

January 2015 – December 2017

Project implementation:

WWF

Project Management and co-ordination:

WWF Austria

Financing:

WWF & EU co-financed

show references for this article

[1] EUMOFA (European Market Observatory for Fisheries and Aquaculture Products). The EU Fish Market. 2014 Edition. Page 1; http://www.eumofa.eu/documents/guest/Yearly%20Highlights/The%20EU%20fish%20market_EN.pdf

[2] Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2014. Rome. Page 3. http://www.fao.org/fishery/sofia/en

[3] HLPE, 2014. Sustainable fisheries and aquaculture for food security and nutrition. A report by the High Level Panel of Experts on Food Security and Nutrition of the Committee on World Food Security, Rome 2014. Page 34. http://www.fao.org/3/a-i3844e.pdf

WWF Austria

WWF Austria

MedPO Office

WWF Bulgaria

WWF Portugal

WWF Portugal

WWF Germany

WWF Germany

WWF Croatia

WWF Croatia

WWF Slovenia

WWF Slovenia

WWF Greece

WWF Greece

WWF Romania

WWF Romania

WWF Italy

WWF Italy

WWF Spain

WWF Spain

WWF France

WWF France