Despite good publicity for the WWF-SASSI classification of seafood available in restaurants, and for sale in supermarkets on MasterChef (Seasons 1 and 3), and on ‘Hayden Quinn: South Africa‘, a study has found that many consumers do not question the sustainability of the fish they buy!
A survey, conducted by Added Value for the World Wild Fund (WWF) campaign for its South Africa Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) communication, concluded that most South African consumers do not consider sustainability when buying seafood, and almost half do not ask questions about the origin of the seafood that they buy, reported Cape Business News.
When buying seafood, consumers focus on the quality, type of fish, and price in making their purchase decision. Recommendations play an important role when buying fresh fish, whilst convenience drives the choice of tinned and frozen fish type. The preparation style of seafood in restaurants, a described on menus, influences patrons in their choice of fish.
From the study it would appear that seafood shoppers would shift their choice to sustainable fish if informed in supermarkets, the expectation being that retailer should communicate with and educate their shoppers. In-store posters play an important role in educating consumers in choosing green seafood varieties.
However, awareness for SASSI has improved on the last two years. Good news is the benefit of the SASSI communication
campaign, according to the SASSI campaign manager Janine Basson: ‘SASSI empowers people to get involved and help drive responsible fishing practices, from either a restaurant or the comfort of their own homes, Ordinary people create extraordinary changes, and we have seen some amazing changes driven by concerned consumers. For example, some much-loved linefish species are now showing signs of recovery since SASSI launched almost a decade ago’. The research found that the word ‘sustainability‘ was not understood by all consumers, leading SASSI to simplify its communication message.
SASSI has recently introduced the SASSI App, a handy alphabetical directory with the sustainability colour classification of each fish type. When one clicks onto a specific fish species, one can read information about its origin, its other name(s), the gear type, and more details about the fish. Now there is no excuse to not buy a sustainable fish species in a shop, or order one in a restaurant!
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Twitter:@WhaleCottage Facebook: click here
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Thank you for the information about the handy app from SASSI.
I suppose a link to the download site for that app is too much to hope for
Good point Stuart. I have never downloaded an App via the website, always having gone to the iStore.
Please could you check if the link I have added works for you?
Looks as though the link would work on iTunes, but I can’t find an equivalent Android app. I presume that means there isn’t one
I have sent an e-mail to SASSI Stuart – unfortunately they do not allow telephonic contact! I’ll provide feedback as soon as I receive their reply.
Good news Stuart.
I received this info from SASSI via Twitter: ‘We do have an android version – just look for SASSI in the play store’.
Just to make sure – here is a link SASSI have sent: http://www.sassiapp.co.za/ .
You can also just text the name of the fish to 079 499 8795 to receive an instant reply with information.
Merci Francoise.