High Liner commits to sustainable sourcing

Lunenburg, N.S.-based High Liner Foods Inc. has made a commitment to source all of its seafood from certified sustainable or responsible fisheries and aquaculture farms by the end of 2013.

The processor says it will require all seafood products, whether wild-caught or farmed, to be certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, the Global Aquaculture Alliance’s Best Aquaculture Practices program, or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. The company says it will work with its NGO partner, the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, to achieve its goals.

“High Liner Foods is committed to our goal of doing business only with suppliers who share our vision of sourcing responsibly, and with a dedication to environmental stewardship to ensure that our natural resources are available for generations to follow,” says High Liner president and CEO Henry Demone. “This proactive, ongoing effort will include engaging with our suppliers in projects that make the long-term viability of these farms and fisheries possible.”

High Liner says that any suppliers that are not certified must be “responsible” fisheries using “best in class” methods, be working towards sustainability and be able to document measurable improvements in fishing practices. By the end of 2013 all uncertified suppliers must also have undergone an independent evaluation, and have entered a third-party assessment program.

In addition, High Liner recently announced that it would be the principal sponsor of the 2011 Seafood Summit taking place in Vancouver, Jan. 31 to Feb. 2. The international event brings together industry leaders each year to discuss responsible business practices and continuous improvement towards the sustainability of the seafood sector.