The SASSI List
The consumer species list tells you about which seafood species are legal and more sustainable choices from South African seafood populations. Green species are the best choices as they can handle current fishing pressure better. Orange species should be considered with caution as they are either over-exploited, or from problematic fisheries. Red species are illegal to sell in South Africa, and some of them are specially protected.
To view the list click here.
The SASSI list was first compiled in 2004, and has remained unchanged, with the exception of wild-caught abalone, which is now on THE RED LIST. There is now an international movement to try and create a consistent methodology for rating different seafood species.
View More details about the Colour Categories below
Not on the list?
Some imported species are not yet included on the SASSI list. A good place to find out more about anyfish is FishBase (http://fishbase.org/search.cfm) where you can learn about the name, distribution and biology of a particular fish. A fish species may also be listed on other sustainable seafood lists.
A number of WWF offices worldwide have regional seafood lists.
Itis important to keep in mind that not all organisations use the same methodology to place species on various lists. A good summary is available at Incofish who has compiled an International Seafood Guide.
Learn more about Seafood Awareness Campaigns here
GREEN
These are species that are from relatively healthy and well-managed populations that can sustain current fishing pressure. Some green species are not targeted by any particular fishery, but are managed as a sustainable bycatch. These species are recommended as the most sustainable choices available.
ORANGE
These species may be legally sold by registered commercial fishers and retailers. However, an increased demand for these could compromise a sustainable supply, due to one or more of the following reasons:
- The species may presently be rare because they are overfished.
- The fishery that catches them may damage the environment through the method used and/or high bycatch.
- The biology of the species makes it vulnerable to overfishing, or it may not have been adequately studied, but it is suspected that it will be unable to sustain heavy fishing pressure based on information for related species.
- Consumers are encouraged to consider the implications of these choices.
RED
These species are illegal to buy or sell in South, Africa according to the Marine Living Resources Act. Some of these “no-sale” species are very important recreational species that cannot handle commercial fishing pressures, and may therefore only be caught for your own enjoyment and use, subject to the possession of a valid recreational fishing permit and other restrictions that may apply (such as daily bag limits, closed seasons and minimum sizes).