Fisheries in Crisis
27 May 2008 It is now widely accepted that commercial fisheries are in a state of decline worldwide. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture report (SOFIA) from The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) released in 2006 indicates that over 76% of world fish stocks are exploited at or above sustainable levels. Total world...read more
5 Sep 2008 Habitat damage: This refers to the physical destruction of marine habitats. Some marine habitats are more fragile than others and can be permanently damaged from fishing gear, such as trawling over a coral reef. Destroying bottom habitats not only reduces the number of refuge or shelters for fish but disrupts the overall productivity of the system.Habitat damage can...read more
FishMS
27 May 2008 Your choices today will affect what is available to you in the future. SASSI FishMS, a world first, enables you to make the on-the-spot choice when dining out. How does it work? Send the name of the fish as a text message to the number 079-499-8795 you will get a prompt response telling you where the species is on the...read more
SASSI Partners
27 May 2008 SASSI Partners - SASSI is a project under the banner of WWF, however in order to make it effective and have a presence at a national level we rely on the continued support of a number of organisations and agencies. The following are SASSI network partners: The Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism of South Africa: Branch...read more
Chefs and Hospitality
27 May 2008 Chefs and hospitality industry - As setters of food trends, chefs and restaurateurs are key players in creating consumer demand for sustainable seafood. Chefs and restaurants that are interested in serving their customers ocean-friendly seafood dishes offers promise that it is possible to increase awareness and appreciation of seafood that not only tastes delicious but is...read more
Retailers and Wholesalers
27 May 2008 SASSI Retail Charter - Retailers hold a significant proportion of the global seafood market share and are well positioned to effect positive changes in the fishing industry. In a number of countries, major retailers have started adjusting their seafood business to meet consumer expectations and in order to improve traceability, and promote sustainably and responsibly...read more
Fishing methods
27 Jun 2008 There are many different methods to harvest seafood, and the way in which we fish has changed dramatically over the centuries. Hand harvesting is the simplest method of fishing and is still used by subsistence communities. Though very simple, hand harvesting is a highly selective way to collect seafood. Along our coastline, a number of species such as oysters, white...read more
Aquaculture: Impacts
26 May 2008 Aquaculture: Impacts - The growing global aquaculture industry is associated with a number of environmental and social issues, including: Aquaculture at inappropriate sites can lead to habitat conversion and on-going operational impacts. Aquaculture potentially has several adverse effects on wild species, including disease transmission, escape, and capture for broodstock or rearing among others. Production...read more
Consumers
27 May 2008 Consumers: How to make smarter seafood choices - Before buying or enjoying seafood there are a number of things to consider: Buy from the right people: make sure that you buy your seafood from reputable dealers who buy only from registered commercial fishers and importers. Remember that recreational fishers may never sell their catch. Buy the right...read more
The commercial fishing sectors in South Africa
27 Jan 2008 Commercial This is the formal fishing sector and can range from relatively small-scale Cape rock oyster fishery, to the highly industrialised multi-million Rand deep-water trawl industry, which primarily targets hake. Over the years the commercial fishing sector has suffered many disputes around fishing entitlement. The finalisation and allocation of medium to long term fishing rights in 2006 aimed to...read more