What is FishChoice.com?
FishChoice.com is an online, sustainable seafood sourcing tool that connects retail, restaurant, and institutional seafood buyers to suppliers of sustainable seafood products. FishChoice.com also helps sustainable aquaculture operations and wild fisheries that utilize environmentally responsible fishing methods find markets for their products.
Why is FishChoice.com important?
In a 2007 Food Marketing Institute Survey 92% of consumers polled said “it is important for the food industry to be more proactive in addressing environmental concerns.” Consumers want to make more sustainable choices and chefs and retailers want to provide them. FishChoice.com fills the missing piece in the equation by matching those suppliers and their products to an aggregated group of sustainable seafood ratings and certifications.
How does it work?
FishChoice.com is not an e-commerce website, but rather an online network, similar to a dating website. The process that takes place typically is: suppliers submit products, FishChoice identifies if they meet the necessary sustainability requirements of one or more of its partners, those that meet the requirements are listed on the website alongside the aggregated sustainability ratings &/or certifications, buyers register for the website to get full access and contact those suppliers who they want to speak with about purchasing their products.
Which seafood organizations does FishChoice.com work with?
FishChoice.com works with several recognized seafood conservation organizations that have science-based, credible sustainable seafood programs. The following organizations have agreed to participate on FishChoice.com in a collective effort to promote the market for sustainable seafood in the supply chain:
How much does it cost to use FishChoice.com?
FishChoice.com is currently free. In the future, one or more revenue models will be implemented.
How is FishChoice.com funded?
FishChoice.com is a nonprofit organization that is currently funded by private foundations and individual donors who recognize the importance of ensuring sustainable supplies of seafood for future generations. In the future, FishChoice.com will receive some of its operating income from subscriber fees.
Who founded FishChoice.com?
Richard Boot is the Founder and President of FishChoice.com. Prior to founding Fishchoice.com in 2008, Richard worked as Director of Operations for FishWise (Sustainable Fishery Advocates). At FishWise he developed training and implementation programs for use in grocery stores’ meat and seafood departments. Richard has formed collaborations with national environmental NGOs on a variety of subjects including mercury labeling and education about and sourcing of environmentally preferable seafood products. (Go to full bio here)
What types of suppliers will you find on FishChoice.com?
FishChoice.com lists farms, fishers, primary processors, importers, and products for distributors who are Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) chain of custody certified.
How can producers get a product on FishChoice.com?
Producers can submit their products by filling out an online form or calling the organization. FishChoice will need to know the scientific name of the species, where it was caught or farmed, and the method by which it was caught or farmed to establish the basis of whether a product has the necessary sustainability credentials. For products that get listed on the website FishChoice will add details such as fresh &/or frozen product forms, seasonal availability, minimum order size, delivery information, full sales contact information, and additional notes about the company.
Can consumers use the site?
Anyone can register to see what types of products are listed. However, the site provides listings geared to the needs of commercial seafood buyers. There is a consumer page on the website and there are plans to add additional resources for consumers.