WWF’s Seafood Charter: Fish insurance, for a better world

by Neila Maryam, 
adapted from WWF-UK Seafood Charter article by Tracy Cambridge. 

As fellow inhabitants of earth, we come as one from different regions across the world to hold the singular and most profound responsibility of defending Mother Nature from harm. WWF is an international organization that helps governments to manage oceans and seafood in our priority seascapes. In which, WWF’s Seafood Charter caters to business needs in line with our environmental mission.

A better world is a healthy one. So much has advanced for mankind, yet what stays constant and primarily important is the contribution of the ocean’s riches to the development of our civilization. We depend on it for food, water, transport, leisure and further more aspects that furnish our livelihoods. However, they are likely considered treasures than common necessities. As much as it is a blessing of ease to acquire everything Mother Nature gifts us, we should not be hindered by the fact that we cannot take it for granted.

Tikina Wai villagers catching fish just outside a Marine Protected Area in Fiji © Brent Stirton / Getty Images

 The fisheries industry is incredibly massive, encompassing millions of people from a vast range of fields; from culinary, to business, to science and even to politics. Due to this demanding involvement between fish and human, the waters are far from calm.  60% of fisheries are already being fished at their sustainable limits while a further 30% are considered to be overexploited. The sooner we address the key threats to the balance of the ecosystem, the sooner we can resilience the seafood sector to avoid global threats, such as pollution and climate change.

To tackle the critical issue, WWF’s Seafood Charter contains a set of principles to guide the industry along the key challenges:

• Eliminating illegal seafood
• Ensuring seafood is traceable
• Increasing transparency
• Implementing projects to reduce the impact of farming and fishing practices on the environment

The Seafood Charter program has been an incredible accomplishment for more than 10 years with numerous major companies around the globe joined and working towards similar objectives. WWF is never weary in work towards our goals as we are dedicated to preserve our fishery industry, the environment and ultimately our own survival by all means.

Take a look at our video to understand what the WWF Seafood Charter is about.

Everyone can play their part to ensure a secure and sustainable future for our oceans. If you eat seafood, make sure the products you buy are certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council or Aquaculture Stewardship Council.