Evolution and Future of the Sustainable Seafood Market

View Journal Article

Date

Aug. 14, 2018

Authors

Simon R. Bush, Frank Asche, James Sanchirico, Hiroyuki Uchida, and Cathy A. Roheim

Publication

Journal Article

Reading time

1 minute

Abstract

The sustainable seafood movement is at a crossroads. Its core strategy, also known as a theory of change, is based on market-oriented initiatives such as third-party certification but does not motivate adequate levels of improved governance and environmental improvements needed in many fisheries, especially in developing countries. Price premiums for certified products are elusive, multiple forms of certification compete in a crowded marketplace and certifiers are increasingly asked to address social as well as ecological goals. This paper traces how the sustainable seafood movement has evolved over time to address new challenges while success remains limited. We conclude by exploring four alternative potential outcomes for the future theory of change, each with different contributions to creating a more sustainable global seafood supply.

View Journal Article

Topics

Authors

Simon R. Bush

Frank Asche

James N. Sanchirico

University Fellow

James Sanchirico is a university fellow at RFF. His main research interests include the economic analysis of policy design and marine and terrestrial species conservation.

Hiroyuki Uchida

Cathy A. Roheim

Related Content

Common Resources — Nov 24, 2020

The Environmental Threat Posed by Mislabeled Seafood

Mislabeled seafood tends to come from poorly managed fisheries and can negatively impact marine populations. Before seafood consumption in the United States can be considered sustainable, more progress must be made to improve the accuracy of labeling.

Journal Article — Nov 16, 2020

Consequences of Seafood Mislabeling for Marine Populations and Fisheries Management

apiguide - shutterstock - 201907969 - Resources dam hero image

Resources Magazine — Oct 22, 2020

Dismantling Dams Can Help Address US Infrastructure Problems

If repairing hazardous dams can help prevent catastrophic destruction, but removing them is a more cost-effective option with environmental benefits—then, why is dam removal so rare?

Journal Article — Aug 9, 2019

Classifying fishing behavioral diversity using high-frequency movement data

An approach to effective fisheries management where “big data” routinely collected by many fisheries agencies can be used in a data-driven framework to classify fishers into discrete behavioral types.