WHAT IS SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD?
According to Wikipedia: "Sustainable seafood is seafood that is either caught or farmed in ways that consider the long-term vitality of harvested species and the well-being of the oceans, as well as the livelihoods of fisheries-dependent communities."
D&E Import believes that we need to make a concerted effort by participating in programs to ensure that we do not deplete the world’s oceans. One of our core items that we sell, both fresh and frozen, is Mahi-Mahi.
Everyone has a choice when it comes to purchasing sustainable seafood. Some of those choices are harder to make than others. In the case of Mahi-Mahi, it was a very easy decision for us.
Multiple countries are now actively engaging in Fishery Improvement Projects for Mahi-Mahi (FIPs). At the same time, those countries that are engaging in these sustainable efforts just happen to be producing the finest Mahi available in the world.
On January 1st 2017, D&E Import executed their mission statement to ONLY import Mahi-Mahi from countries that are either actively engaged in FIPs and/or in the development of them.
"Well... plain and simply put, to support these FIPs only partially when we have several options for responsibly sourced supply would just be hypocritical." - Dean Holzer - President, D&E Import
D&E Import is currently a participant in several WWF’s (World Wildlife Fund)
The FIPs works to make changes through policy both in the private and government sectors. They support the transition of fisheries with a step by step approach to attain sustainable practices ensuring the long term viability of the fishery by improving the environmental performance, as well as protecting the livelihood of the fishermen.
Mahi-mahi is Ecuador’s largest and most socio-economically important artisanal fishery, with the majority of the catch exported to the U.S. Mahi-mahi is a highly migratory species and presents a critical challenge for sustainability of the fishery, as the development of international management measures is required across many countries in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Additionally, other issues include turtle by-catch and limited scientific observers to monitor the long line fleet. The Ecuadorian Vice Ministry of Aquaculture and Fisheries and Sub-Secretary of Fishery Resources are actively involved as FIP stakeholders and along with FIP participants drives improvements to meet the Marine Stewardship Council standards.
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) is a young and dynamic, business-focused NGO that is reshaping the world of corporate responsibility through the creation of powerful information tools and a methodology that allows companies to directly engage with suppliers of natural resources. It does not campaign or provide eco-labels, but works to reduce the barriers to action by industry in creating a more sustainable world. SFP operates through two main principles: information and improvement.
D&E Import is proud to be working with the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership on a few projects:
- As a participant in the Global Fresh and Frozen Yellowfin and Bigeye Tuna Supply Chain Roundtable (SR). This roundtable has an emphasis on high-quality, line-caught yellowfin and bigeye tuna that enters the market as fresh or frozen product. - https://www.sustainablefish.org/Programs/Improving-Wild-Fisheries/Seafood-Sectors-Supply-Chain-Roundtables/Fresh-and-Frozen-Tuna
- Helping develop/co-fund the formation of a new Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) focusing on Tuna, Swordfish, and Mahi fishing in Costa Rica - https://www.sustainablefish.org/News/New-large-pelagics-FIP-starting-up-in-Central-America
- As a participant in the new Global Octopus SR Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) - https://www.sustainablefish.org/Programs/Improving-Wild-Fisheries/Seafood-Sectors-Supply-Chain-Roundtables/Global-Octopus-SR
Here at D&E Import, we understand that you always have a choice as to where to purchase your seafood. We value each and every customer and welcome the opportunity to service you on a regular basis.