Sustainable Seafood Expectations Shift Among US Consumers
A new Marine Stewardship Council report reveals a decade of data showing US consumers now expect sustainable seafood to be the default, not a niche concern.
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) released a decade of consumer insights on Tuesday, indicating a significant shift in how American consumers view seafood sustainability. The report, "A Decade of Change: Sustainability Now a Mainstream Concern of U.S. Seafood Consumers," highlights that sustainability has moved from a niche interest to a mainstream expectation.
Research conducted by the independent firm GlobeScan tracked the perspectives of 15,000 U.S. seafood consumers since 2016. The data suggests consumers increasingly view sustainable sourcing as an integrated aspect of products rather than an add-on. The importance of independent verification for sustainability claims has also grown, as consumers seek credible proof.
Laura McDearis, U.S. Program Director for MSC, stated that consumers' understanding of their role in protecting ocean futures has advanced. "Sustainability is no longer a niche request for U.S. consumers; it's the expectation," McDearis said.
In the U.S., 90% of fisheries by volume are MSC certified, positioning the country as a leader in promoting sustainable fishing practices. The report underscores the vital role of healthy oceans and how sustainable methods contribute to marine biodiversity and ecosystem health.