Sustainable Seafood: Target Success, Jewel Fail

By Anthony Todd in Food on Apr 29, 2010 4:20PM

Worried about sustainable seafood and where to buy it? Greenpeace has just released it's most recent report, "Carting Away the Ocean," on grocery stores and their efforts (or lack thereof) to ensure the existence of tasty fish for the next generation. Last year, the big loser was Trader Joe's. TJ's sold so many types of fish on the "Red List" of threatened species that Greenpeace branded them "Traitor Joe's" and started a parody website. It worked - Trader Joe's agreed to change it's buying practices.

Somewhat surprisingly, this year's number 1 seafood retailer is...wait for it... Target. Even Greenpeace seems surprised, but Target has recently stopped selling several "red list" species and has dramatically improved its practices since 2009. Target is now a member of several environmental working groups, has improved its labeling and is trying to inform its customers about environmentally friendly options. Things aren't perfect, but improvements are being made. We didn't even know Target SOLD seafood, but we'll have to check it out now.

On the other hand, Jewel-Osco (represented by parent company Supervalu) comes in 15th in a list of 20 - garnering a depressing fish skeleton symbol on Greenpeace's ranking list. According to the report, "SUPERVALU continues to languish near the rear of the pack in terms of its awareness of sustainable seafood issues."They have no sustainable seafood policy, and would not give detailed information about their buying practices.

Whole Foods came in at 3rd, and Trader Joe's improved its ranking to 10th. If you're concerned about buying sustainable seafood, read the full report.