Costco to Become Leader in Sustainable Seafood Industry

Care2 and Greenpeace got together to let Costco, one of the largest seafood retailers in the U.S., know they should only be selling sustainable seafood.

After 8 months of pressure, Costco listened and decided to stop selling 12 “red-listed” seafood species, including orange roughy, shark and Atlantic halibut. Seafood on the red-list is caught or farmed in ways that harm the environment and other marine life.

On top of stopping the sales of red-listed seafood, Costco is working towards developing a more sustainable tuna industry. Tuna fishing is one of the most damaging seafood industries around and is in dire need of a more sustainable method of meeting industry demands. Greenpeace will continue to monitor Costco to make sure that it follows through with their proposed changes.

This is a huge victory! There are only so many fish in the sea and Costco is taking a big step towards making their industry as sustainable as possible.

Bluefin Tuna Near Extinction

How to Find Sustainable Seafood

Photo Credit: istock.com

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Caitlin C.

4:10PM PDT on Jul 3, 2011

I don't shop there because I don't live near one.

send a green star

Frank B.

7:01AM PDT on Apr 19, 2011

Good on Costco!

I've heard they pay people better than other similar stores, too. I'll make it a point to choose Costco over other similar and similarly located stores.

Ruth R.

10:19PM PDT on Apr 13, 2011

This is a start. Thank you for the posting.

Kathy M.

5:51AM PDT on Apr 13, 2011

I do not shop at costco but I do like that they are willing to change. 2 Thumbs up for Costco and Green Peace !!!!!

How is Walmart in the fish dept?

Adrienne B.

8:46AM PDT on Apr 11, 2011

This is important, as COSTCO is a major retailer. It is good that they are setting a better example for sustainability. I applaud their decision.

Christine F.

2:27PM PDT on Apr 10, 2011

Well done, Costco - I hope the policy applies over here in the UK, as well.
And that there will no longer be advertising of "Fresh Fish" from places like the Indian Ocean - no way is it fresh, even if it's been flown here!

Chris E.

12:57PM PDT on Apr 10, 2011

Consumers appreciate Costco finally setting a positive example for other retailers.

Dawn Marie D.

11:22AM PDT on Apr 10, 2011

I live an hour away from the nearest Costco and will be moving closer next year. Because of their commitment to sustainable seafood, that will be the reason that I will be returning as a customer.

Deborah W.

2:37AM PDT on Apr 10, 2011

This is fantastic news! Other companies will follow their lead and that's exciting. We may save the world after all with our efforts. I love it that my petition turns things around. Wow. We don't have Costco in Australia yet but I will shop there when they are set up.

Alec S.

7:48PM PDT on Apr 9, 2011

How wonderful! I am so happy. We can make a difference.