Stop Eco-Labeling of Turtle-Deadly Swordfish Fisheries

The Marine Stewardship Council is currently proposing certification of  two high-bycatch longline swordfish fleets that operate offshore of Florida in the U.S. and along Canada's Atlantic coast.

Giving these deadly and wasteful fisheries the seal of sustainability with Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) eco-label would do more harm than good. 

THANK YOU TO THE 2,100 PEOPLE WHO WROTE TO THE MSC!

Unfortunately, the MSC certified the deadly Florida fishery. A decision on the Canadian fishery objection is expected soon. The hearing was held Jan. 10, 2012.

The MSC is an international, independent organization based in London that certifies fisheries around the world as sustainable. Once certified, then the blue MSC logo can be used to identify the fish at stores and restaurants. While intended to provide shoppers with a way to choose sustainable fish, the MSC program has become dominated by fishery interests and certifiers that profit from the scheme. Out of hundreds of fisheries, only four have ever been denied the label.

Not only is the longline fishery deadly to sea turtles and marine life, but swordfish is harmful to your health because of mercury contamination. The U.S. FDA warns mothers and children never to eat swordfish and to severely restrict tuna consumption. See www.GotMercury.org

Don't buy or eat longline swordfish certified by the MSC or otherwise!