How small businesses play a role in advancing sustainable seafood
At Seafood Watch, we know that small businesses are vital to advancing the sustainable seafood movement. Staff at restaurants and grocery stores often field questions from customers about where and how their seafood products were caught or farmed.
But the seafood supply chain is incredibly complex, and accurate sourcing information can be hard to come by — making it difficult for some small businesses to answer customers’ questions. We’ve made changes to our program to acknowledge this reality, while still supporting restaurants and retailers that want to make responsible seafood sourcing decisions.
Moving forward, we’ll provide small businesses, and other interested individuals, with sustainable seafood recommendations, sustainability how-to guides, educational webinars, social media support and many other free resources — all with the aim of getting more sustainable seafood on customers’ plates.
We will continue to maintain formal partnerships with large businesses, such as Whole Foods Market and Red Lobster, whose purchasing decisions have the most significant impact on global market demand for sustainable seafood.
Here is a quick overview of how businesses can transition to serving sustainable seafood.
1. Offer a sustainable option to your customers
Start by committing to sell one item from the Best Choice list to give customers a sustainable option. Seafood Watch’s Best Choice list includes hundreds of green-rated products that businesses can feel confident in offering their customers.
2. Get to know your current seafood products
Seafood products are caught and farmed using different methods around the world—with varying environmental impacts. Learn more about the sustainability of the products you are currently selling.
3. Remove any seafood items on the Avoid list
Do you have any items with one of our Avoid ratings on your menu? If so, make a plan to remove them. Use the Seafood Watch recommendations to see if there is a better option.
4. Train your staff
Communicating with your staff about the changes you are making is an important step. Be sure to educate your staff so they can answer customer questions.
5. Spread the word
Market your new sustainable offerings to your customers on your website and social media channels. Also, talk to businesses you work with to share—and receive—tips on what they’re doing to spread the word.
6. Commit to serving only responsible seafood
Now you’re ready for a comprehensive sustainability plan and commitment that makes sense for your business. Be specific and clear about what your goals are and what is covered by your commitment. This will help you and your customers know what you are working toward.
With our tools and resources, small businesses will have the support to offer sustainable seafood options to their customers. Our goal is to grow a coalition of businesses across the country who can help us spread the word about the importance of sourcing sustainable seafood.
So if you buy, sell or promote seafood, jumpstart your commitment to sustainability by signing up today.
If you’re a consumer – remember your voice matters. Just ask “Do you sell sustainable seafood?”
Together – we can make a difference for ocean health.
