Around 5 years ago we characterised the potential risks associated with the species of fish most sold by our Companies in Portugal and Poland. This analysis, performed by an independent specialised entity, in conjunction with the Group’s Environment and Sustainability teams, identified aspects such as the level of stock exploitation, the impacts on ecosystems and surrounding communities, traceability and working conditions, and concluded that none of the species sold were at high risk.
Also as part of our sustainable fishing strategy, in 2016 we assessed the degree of vulnerability of all the species of fish sold in Portugal and in Poland. As a result of this assessment, we have defined actions to reduce the pressure on threatened species1:
Ban the purchase and sale of species classified as “Critically Endangered” and for which no extraordinary permits exist for such purpose such as the Iberian eel (Anguilla anguilla)
Seek aquaculture alternatives for species classified as “Endangered”, by not performing promotional activities that involve wild populations and those that are not from sustainably produced stocks and/or that do not have a certificate of sustainability
Limit promotional activities with species that are classified as “Vulnerable” whenever they are not obtained from aquaculture and/or from sustainably produced stocks and/or that do not have a certificate of sustainability
In 2018, and based on the species identified in 2015, we complied with the aforementioned guidelines:
In addition, we highlight the introduction of sustainably certified Private Brand fish products certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) having reached 27 references in Poland in 2018 (an increase of around 70% compared to 2017).
Notes:
1 Based on the classification assigned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) and the Convention on International Trade and Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).
The data referring to the compliance to the Group’s Sustainable Fishing Strategy was verified by an external and independent entity in the context of the Group’s 2018 Annual Report.
Get to know the 2018 Independent Limited Assurance Report.