Nothing Fishy About Fish: Consumer Demand Drives Push for More Sustainable Seafood

The global seafood industry is currently undergoing a transformative shift as consumers prioritize sustainability when making purchasing decisions. This evolving trend is not just reshaping the market, but also spearheading positive changes in fishing practices and seafood production.

Rising Consumer Awareness and Demand

Consumer attitudes toward seafood sustainability are evolving at a breakneck pace:

48% of U.S. seafood consumers are willing to pay more for certified sustainable seafood, with that number soaring to 88% among environmentally-conscious buyers.
65% of global seafood consumers believe we should exclusively consume fish and shellfish sourced from sustainable practices.
74% of seafood shoppers prioritize sustainability when selecting where to purchase their seafood.
Nearly half of consumers—around 46%—report that observing the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue fish label significantly influences their purchasing choices.

And it’s not just a U.S. phenomenon! A comprehensive survey of 20,000 seafood consumers worldwide shows that nearly half (48%) are deeply concerned about overfishing, while two-thirds advocate for ocean protection.

Market Growth and Resilience

Despite various economic challenges, the sustainable seafood sector demonstrates remarkable resilience and growth:

The number of fisheries engaged with the MSC program surged to 716 in 2023-24, up from 674 in 2022-23.
In the year leading up to March 2024, 1.2 million tonnes of MSC-labeled seafood were sold, generating a striking retail value of US$13.4 billion.
Notably, several countries have seen strong market growth, including the USA (5.2%), France (5.8%), Italy (10.3%), Poland (15.7%), South Korea (35%), and China (20%).

Environmental Impact and Certification

Implementing sustainable seafood practices plays a pivotal role in protecting our marine ecosystems:

19.3% of total marine wild catch in 2023-24 emanated from fisheries participating in the MSC program.
Notably, 75% of the global commercial whitefish catch, 91% of commercial salmon catch, and over 50% of commercial tuna catch are now engaged with the MSC program.
More than 20,000 seafood products globally bear the MSC blue fish label, symbolizing a commitment to preserving oceanic resources.

Challenges and Future Outlook

While encouraging progress characterizes the industry, challenges undoubtedly persist:

Currently, one-third of global fish stocks are still overfished.
Seafood sales in the U.S. retail sector have dipped back to pre-pandemic levels in various segments.
The COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with rising inflation, has notably affected seafood consumption patterns.

Nevertheless, the future looks promising:

Global fish production is anticipated to rise by 14.5% by 2030, delivering protein to approximately 3.3 billion individuals, covering 20% of their animal protein intake.
U.S. sales of MSC-certified sustainable seafood have surged by 62% over the past four years.
Innovative initiatives like the FishEUTrust project aim to bolster consumer trust in fish supply chains.

Conclusion

The escalating consumer demand for sustainable seafood is catalyzing significant positive changes within the industry. As awareness continues to grow, it’s likely we’ll witness even further improvements in fishing practices and a more robust emphasis on sustainability throughout the seafood supply chain. This trend not only benefits our precious marine ecosystems but also secures the long-term viability of the seafood industry itself.