Responsible fishing

Waitrose Responsible Fishing Policy statement

Waitrose considers that the key to making any decision is to balance all available facts and to engage with NGOs (Non Government Organisations) and conservation groups.

For a fish to be termed 'sustainable' in Waitrose it must meet the following criteria:

• Be a species that is not regarded as threatened or endangered
• Be caught from a well managed fishery with scientifically based quotas
• Be caught using responsible fishing methods
• Be fully traceable from catch to consumer

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Species selection

Waitrose will not list any species where there is a common consensus that it is endangered or under threat.

Species may be regarded differently in different fisheries, eg Icelandic cod is recognised as sustainable, North Sea cod is considered under threat. Waitrose does not take the existence of a legal quota or minimum landing weight as evidence of sustainability.

Waitrose does accept third party certification such as MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) as evidence of sustainability, but such schemes are currently insufficient to cover the full range of fish that Waitrose sells.

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Fishery management

Fisheries used in Waitrose must be able to demonstrate sustainable management of the stock through effective quotas based on scientific advice and stock assessments. There should be provision for zone closures to allow protection of spawning and nursery grounds.

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Fishing methods

Waitrose uses the least environmentally damaging methods it can for each species. Environmental damage may be physical (destruction of habitat) or ecological (high by-catch or fuel consumption).

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Traceability and illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing

Suppliers of Waitrose fish must demonstrate a high level of traceability that eradicates illegally caught fish entering the supply chain. Waitrose regards this as an essential step in preventing what is a very damaging criminal activity that undermines conservation and causes serious economic issues.

"The supply of fully traceable, sustainable seafood is vital to the Waitrose business. In today's climate of rising consumer demand, diminishing wild fish stocks and with issues of illegally caught fish, full traceability from catch to consumer is of vital importance"

Jeremy Ryland-Langley, Fish Buyer, Waitrose

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