Ocean Wise Seafood Program
Aquarium du Québec, a long-time Ocean Wise supporter, is delighted to host the program’s brand-new Québec office. This arrival represents an important step for the Aquarium’s conservation and sustainable mission.
Canadians from sea to sea are more mindful of the origin of the fish and seafood they eat, and once rooted in Québec City, the Ocean Wise Seafood Program will play a key role in promoting the movement for eco-responsible seafood consumption in Eastern Canada.
Reasons to care about our oceans
It's really simple. Because:
- 90% of the world's assessed fish stocks are currently over-exploited or at full capacity;
- 4 of every 10 fish caught are bycatch;
- 48% of the major fish stocks in Canadian waters are considered ‘healthy’;
- Overfishing is the greatest threat our oceans face today;
- Illegal, unreported & unregulated fishing remains a problem in many poorly managed fisheries;
- Seafood is the primary source of protein for over one billion people.
How to do your part?
As a consumer
As consumers, we have the power to influence the future of our oceans. You want to purchase Ocean Wise products? It's a snap! Simply seek out the Ocean Wise logo and make a choice that promotes the health of our oceans.
You can't find the logo? Ask your merchants! It’s easy to promote sustainable fishing and the Ocean Wise program by asking your fishmonger or local restaurant owner about the origins of the sea products behind their counters or on their menus.
Here are some questions to ask yourselves or your fishmonger or server:
- What species of seafood or fish is being offered here? Is this a threatened species?
- Where was the seafood or fish culled, caught, or raised?
- How was the seafood or fish culled, caught, or raised?
- Do you have Ocean Wise products? Is the fish that I buy a product of sustainable fishing?
If your fishmonger cannot answer you, tell him or her that you need to know the origin of your sea products and you want to consume products recommended by and featuring the Ocean Wise logo. The choices we make today as consumers will determine the future of our oceans.
Take the plunge into a world of sustainable food consumption and discover an Ocean Wise partner near you. Check out the partner map
In partnership with Ocean Wise, the Aquarium present an ecological guide for seafood lovers. It is an easy and practical tool for those who wish to buy and eat seafood while making the right choices for the marine environment.
How to do your part?
As a retailer, restaurant owner, or supplier
You're a restaurant owner, a supplier, or a retailer of sea products and you want to offer your customers eco-responsible choices? Well, Ocean Wise can work directly with you to provide the most recent scientific information concerning fish and seafood and help you make ocean-friendly purchases. The presence of the Ocean Wise logo on a menu or a package enables consumers to easily identify environmentally responsible choices that preserve the health of our oceans for future generations.
The Ocean Wise program is based on the principle that, when properly framed, being eco-responsible can also be good for the bottom line.
Are you ready to become an Ocean Wise sea products partner? Sign up online today or contact our Québec City office by calling 418-659-5266, extension264, or emailing jade-alexandra.trottier@ocean.org.
4 criteria to respect
A seafood product must meet the following four criteria to be recommended by Ocean Wise:
Abundant & resilient
Species that are able to reproduce quickly and are resilient to fishing pressures.
Well-managed
A comprehensive management plan, based on current scientific research.
Limited by-catch
By-catch are species that are accidentally caught by fishing gear.
Limited habitat damage
Species are caught in a manner that limits impacts on the marine habitat.
About Ocean Wise Seafood Program
Overfishing is a major threat to our oceans. With thousands of Ocean Wise seafood partner locations across Canada, Ocean Wise makes it easy for consumers to choose sustainable seafood for the long-term health of our oceans. The Ocean Wise symbol next to a seafood item is our assurance of an ocean-friendly seafood choice.
The Ocean Wise seafood program was established in 2005 and welcomed its first partner in Quebec in 2010; the program now has 730 retail, restaurant, and supplier partners across Canada.
