Woolworths Group is committed to improving the sustainability of seafood in our supply chain. Ecologically responsible aquaculture is critical to reduce the environmental impacts of farmed seafood, while safeguarding people and animal welfare. A priority must be placed on fishing more sustainably to support fish stocks and marine ecosystems regeneration, and to continue to provide for future generations. Woolworths Group supports seafood producers who are doing the right thing, by protecting our marine and freshwater ecosystems.
In the last year, we completed our transition of all Woolworths Own Brand behind the counter, fresh packaged, frozen and canned seafood to come from ecologically responsible sources, as defined in our Woolworths Group Seafood Sourcing Policy.
As part of our Sustainability Plan 2025 we will continue on this journey to transition seafood as an ingredient to be ecologically responsible by 2025.
Whenever you see our Woolworths Responsibly Sourced symbol, you know that the seafood you are buying comes from ecologically responsible sources and meets the requirements laid out in our Woolworths Seafood Sourcing Policy.
For more information see our Woolworths Group Seafood Sourcing Policy here.
We are committed to responsible aquaculture farming practices, safeguarding people, environment and animals.
We will preferentially source farmed seafood that is:
The following additional sourcing requirements apply to farmed seafood products that carry the ASC logo:
We are proud to celebrate our Woolworths Smoked Oysters for receiving the highly commended Best Responsible Seafood Product - ASC award, in the Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia 2021.
We are committed to responsible fish stock management and catching methods that minimise habitat changes, bycatch and discards.
We will preferentially source wild-caught seafood that is:
The following additional sourcing requirements apply to wild-caught seafood products that carry the MSC logo:
Woolworths has been announced as the MSC Sustainable Seafood Community Champion in the Sustainable Seafood Awards Australia 2022.
This award recognises that Woolworths:
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is an international non-profit on a mission to end overfishing that set standards for sustainable fishing and traceability within the seafood supply chain.
When you see the MSC blue fish tick on a wild-caught seafood product or menu, it can be traced back to an MSC certified sustainable fishery. By looking at each fishery individually using science, fisheries prove and improve their sustainability performance.
There's a wide variety of wild-caught sustainable seafood with the MSC blue fish tick label available at Woolworths. This includes family favourites such as sustainable tuna, sustainable salmon, and sustainable prawns.
The following sourcing requirements apply to Own Brand ambient tuna products:
Woolworths Ocean Pool Fund’s mission is to help support the environmental performance of the Australian Seafood Industry through traceability, data capture, certification, process improvements and education. The Fund, developed in collaboration with WWF, is part of our partnership to support our suppliers on their journey towards a more sustainable seafood industry.
Woolworths Ocean Pool Fund returned in 2022 for a second year and has awarded funds to a further three projects to support:
Woolworths Ocean Pool Fund was launched in 2021 with $160,000 to award. The Fund received an outstanding calibre of applications, and awarded funds to three suppliers to help support the environmental performance of the Australian Seafood Industry in the areas of:
Woolworths recognises WWF as one of the world’s most trusted and recognised brands, Australia’s most trusted environmental organisation and leading authorities on seafood and marine sustainability. Because of this, WWF is well placed to advise Woolworths and help engage all involved in the seafood sourcing industry - including fishers, fish farmers, suppliers, scientists, government, other conservation organisations and customers - to encourage positive change.
Woolworths and WWF-Australia established a partnership in 2018 and through this WWF will provide us with technical advice on the sustainability of Woolworths’ seafood supply chain, as well as strategic recommendations to transition Woolworths’ seafood supply chain to more sustainable sources. More specifically WWF-Australia will:
For our progress against this goal, see our 2023 Sustainability Report. For more information on our metrics, see our 2023 Sustainability Data Pack.