Citing environmental concerns, Target has stopped selling farmed salmon products nationwide.
In a statement released Tuesday the retail giant said the decision includes national brands and Target-owned brands, including Archer Farms and Market Pantry.
“All salmon sold under Target owned brands will now be wild-caught Alaskan salmon,” said Target in a statement posted on its web site. “Additionally, sushi featuring farm-raised salmon will complete its transition to wild-caught salmon by the end of 2010.”
Target said it is working with the Monterey Bay Aquarium to ensure that its wild-caught salmon is source responsibly.
“Target strives to be a responsible steward of the environment, while also providing our guests with the highest-quality food choices,” said Greg Duppler, senior vice president, merchandising, Target. “Our guests now have an array of sustainable seafood choices at great prices.”
“Target’s decision to source sustainable wild-caught salmon, instead of farmed, will have a real impact in the marketplace – and ultimately, on the health of our oceans,” said Julie Packard, executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. “Increasing the demand for seafood from ocean-friendly sources, like this Monterey Bay Aquarium ‘Best Choice,’ charts us on a course not only to protect our oceans, but to improve fishing and fish-farming practices around the world.”
Target said its decision was based on the environmental detriments of farmed salmon, including “pollution, chemicals, parasites and non-native farmed fish that escape from salmon farms.” It noted that “Alaskan salmon is among the most intensively managed species in the world, with excellent monitoring of both the fish populations and the fishery.”
The move was applauded Greenpeace, an activist group that releases a sustainable seafood guide. In the most recent edition, released before yesterday’s announcement, Target ranked forth.
“Greenpeace applauds Target’s decision to replace farmed salmon with wild Alaskan salmon, a relatively sustainable and healthy product, throughout its operations,” said Casson Trenor, Greenpeace’s senior markets campaigner. “The company’s decision to address this issue represents an incredible willingness to challenge old paradigms in favor of sound science and environmental preservation, as well as provide real market value to its guests. We have no doubt that the leadership by Target will set a new standard for the seafood industry; one we hope is echoed by other retailers.”
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