On May 20, 2010, Metro announced that it has adopted a policy with a view to offer its customers fresh and frozen wild and farmed seafood products in line with its sustainable fisheries policy. On September 23, Metro implemented its policy in withdrawing seven threatened species, including Atlantic cod (West), bluefin tuna, orange roughy, Chilean seabass, New Zealand hoki, skate and shark from its shelves.  

In addition, Metro also placed six other at-risk species on its “continuous improvement” list. It will continue to sell them but, over the coming year, it will seek out suppliers with good fishing techniques and the least impact on the environment. These species include farm-raised salmon, tropical shrimp, haddock, swordfish, Atlantic and Greenland halibut and, finally, scallops and Stimpson’s surf clams.

To facilitate the traceability of its seafood products, Metro has developed a new, more transparent labelling system to help consumers make informed choices. In addition to the information normally found, labels now include the scientific name, the product's origin, the fishing type and the presence of a standard, where applicable.

All Metro suppliers must also sign a code of conduct attesting to their commitment to Metro’s policy and will be favoured should they make tangible progress toward the sustainable management of their activities and encourage recognized standards.

1. Scientific name: MELANOGRAMMUS AEGLEFINUS 2. Origin: GEORGES BANK, CANADA 3. Fishing type: WILD, TRAWLER

Metro’s Sustainable Fisheries Policy

Foreword

Metro acknowledges that sustainable fisheries and the preservation of natural resources are vital for future generations. Consequently, and in keeping with its corporate responsibility policy, Metro has decided to go beyond the role of distributor and commit to a sustainable fisheries policy. Gradually implemented throughout 2010, this policy will be in effect by June 2011 for all fresh or frozen wild and farmed seafood products sold by Metro.

Principles sustainable fisheries policy

Expertise
Metro believes that all decisions related to sustainable fisheries must be based on an objective analysis that first takes into account official scientific opinions on the status of species, but also the points of view of all stakeholders (governments, NGOs and suppliers).

Update of species-specific diagnoses
Since fishing techniques, and the health of ocean species and ecosystems are constantly evolving, Metro will regularly update its species-specific diagnoses, based on the latest facts and scientific reports. Metro will also regularly seek out independent scientific opinions.

Metro's sustainable fisheries policy is based on four core criteria:

1. Healthy species. Metro will only sell species that are scientifically proven to be present in sufficient quantities, and whose fishing rates are sustainable. In addition, these products must come from areas that are well-controlled and managed, when possible, according to legal quotas based on recognized scientific assessments.

2. Sustainable operating methods. The fisheries and aquafarms supplying Metro will have to prove that they use sustainable fishing methods and good practices.

2.1 Wild seafood products: Metro encourages selective fishing techniques that minimize bycatch rates (unwanted species caught accidentally) and recommends a preventive approach to protecting marine habitats (innovative techniques and risk analyses).

2.2 Farmed seafood products: Metro encourages sustainable and innovative practices that enable the moderate use of wild fisheries resources and that minimize the impacts on local natural resources and biodiversity. Metro also promotes efforts to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.

3. Product traceability. The supply chain from the fishing area to the consumer must be documented to allow for informative and transparent labelling.

4. Local economy and labor law. In keeping with its values and the principles of sustainable development, Metro intends for its sustainable fisheries policy to help support small local fisheries. Metro also plans to buy from fisheries that respect labor law.

All Metro suppliers must sign a code of conduct attesting to their commitment to respecting these criteria.

Continuous improvement and standards
Metro encourages its suppliers of wild and farmed seafood products to follow a continuous improvement process. The company will favour suppliers who make tangible progress toward the sustainable management of their activities, the traceability of their products and the application of recognized standards (based on peer-reviewed scientific studies, regular audits, third-party certification, and the transparency of procedures and results), such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).
 
Consumer information and awareness
Metro is committed to informing and raising awareness among its customers to the issue of sustainable fisheries.
 
Transparency
Metro plans to inform its stakeholders of the results of its initiatives and its sustainable fisheries policy on a regular basis.

To learn more, please visit http://www.metro.ca/peche-durable.en.html