A new survey says that nine out of ten Australians want sustainability labelling made compulsory for canned tuna.
The survey commissioned by Simplot’s John West also states that 70 per cent of Australians eat tinned tuna but most know very little about seafood sustainability.
A significant number of Australians, 76 per cent, were said to avoid buying canned tuna which does not come from a sustainable source but just 20 per cent say they can define the term ‘sustainable seafood’.
John West said that consumers pay attention to labelling with 81 per cent regularly checking canned tuna tins to see where the contents come from.A large percentage of respondents, 85 per cent, say they would trace their seafood if possible.
‘Trace Your Fish’ online tool launched
In a response to the survey’s results, Simplot General Manager, Katie Saunders, has announced the launch of online tool, ‘Trace Your Fish’ which will allow for all John West canned tuna and salmon to be traced.
“The results show that most Australians really don’t understand sustainable fishing so it’s our job as producers and industry advocates to help educate consumers and empower them to make decisions that protect the world’s vital marine resources,” said Saunders.
“Trace Your Fish is part of our commitment to ensuring that John West tuna and salmon are responsibly sourced and allows consumers to follow the journey from the waters their fish was caught, to the cannery it was processed in.”
Consumers can use the tool by entering a unique packaging code which will be printed on labelling. The tool will then produce information on fish species, origins, fishing methods and what cannery the fish was processed in.
