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“Organic” Seafood

The USDA National Organic Program has so far avoided putting USDA Organic labels on seafood, as the industry is rife with controversy over the environmental impacts of fish farming and over-harvesting. In the absence of U.S. organic standards, shoppers seeking aquatic fare that is safe, healthy, nutritious, and sustainably produced have looked to recommendations from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program, the Marine Stewardship Council, and foodies like Mark Bittman. Last week, the NOSB made a recommendation to the USDA NOP on how to certify organic aquaculture. Sadly, they didn’t pay enough attention to the experts and they’ve managed to come up with lower standards than competing certifications. The recommendation won’t take effect unless the USDA NOP acts. If and when the NOP takes action, the OCA will be organizing consumer opposition to any rule that doesn’t start with current sustainable seafood certifications as its baseline.
For more articles on the NOSB’s organic seafood recommendation, please go here.