A coalition of B.C. conservationists has filed a formal objection with the U.K.-based Marine Stewardship Council, which intends to brand the Fraser River sockeye salmon fishery as a sustainable source of seafood.
Last year, the Fraser River sockeye population reported its lowest returns with only 13% of the expected 10.5 million fish expected to swim up the river to spawn.
"Scientists have shown that salmon populations in the Fraser River are at very low levels and at risk of extinction," said Craig Orr, executive director of the Watershed Watch Salmon Society. "It would be highly irresponsible to label these endangered salmon a sustainable choice unless the fisheries management system is improved, over-fishing stops and depressed stocks are given a chance to recover."
The Marine Stewardship Council is a global program that grants the eco-label program to various fisheries around the world. Sustainable seafood is generally defined as species with healthy populations, harvested from well-managed fisheries that don't cause significant harm to ocean environments and other sea life.
Major European retailers have recently committed to selling only MSC-certified seafood in their stores and major North American retailers, such as Whole Foods and Wal-Mart, are not far behind.
Greg Knox, executive director for SkeenaWild Conservation Trust said, "If this certification goes ahead, European consumers who attempt to make ethical purchasing decisions by choosing MSC-certified fish, could end up eating endangered Canadian salmon."