FishWise Celebrates Target's Achievements in Sustainable Seafood

In 2011, FishWise partnered with Target to help the company develop a comprehensive program with the goal of having 100% of its fresh and frozen seafood products be responsibly sourced and traceable by year-end 2015 . Since then, Target has transitioned almost 60% of its fresh and frozen seafood to sustainable sources. As of January 2016, 97% of the fresh and frozen seafood sold in Target stores meets their commitment to responsible sourcing. Additionally, 100% of Target’s owned brand fresh and frozen seafood products are now from responsible sources.

The success of the partnership and program has established Target as an industry leader in the sustainable seafood movement. Target has maintained a top ten position in Greenpeace’s “Carting Away the Oceans” report, placing it in the top tier of U.S. supermarkets that are addressing the major social and environmental concerns associated with seafood.

One key factor in Target’s success is its willingness to extend its work beyond direct purchasing by engaging in collaborative discussions with seafood vendors to improve sourcing.

Together with FishWise, Target engaged with the Global Aquaculture Alliance to make improvements to its Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) certification for farm raised shrimp. Target also has supported fishery improvement projects by purchasing from progressive FIPs.

Going forward, Target is committed to working with its vendors to ensure its high standards for sustainable seafood continue to be met.