As a big fan of eating fish, I am happy to see this. However, I am always nervous when some corporation defines what is “sustainable” farming or fishing.  From a corporate perspective, the practice is sustainable as long as it makes money.

However, from a human health and environmental preservation perspective, the same practice may not be sustainable.

Source: The Canadian Press

MONTREAL – Supermarket chain Metro Inc. has adopted a new sustainable fisheries policy that will gradually eliminate the sale of threatened species beginning in September.

The Montreal-based operator of Metro, Food Basics and Super C stores in Quebec and Ontario said the new policy affecting fresh and frozen wild and farmed seafood products will be totally in effect by June 2011.

“Metro acknowledges that sustainable fisheries and the preservation of natural resources are vital for future generations,” said Robert Sawyer, chief operating officer.

In addition to eliminating the sale of some fish, the company will change its product labelling.

Metro said its “balanced policy” takes into account official scientific opinions, along with the views of “all stakeholders,” including governments, non-government organizations and suppliers.

The company said it consulted Jean-Claude Brethes, professor at the Institut des sciences de la mer of the University of Quebec at Rimouski.

Metro said it will only purchase fish whose renewal is ensured given their individual stocks and catch rates.

Fisheries and aquafarms supplying the chain will be forced to prove that they use sustainable fishing methods.