Tesco Commits to Fish Sustainability Initiative

Tesco is one of the world's leading retailers and is also the UK's biggest fishmonger.

The supermarket has already voluntarily disclosed its wild capture fisheries and farmed seafood sources through the Ocean Disclosure Project, the world's leading seafood transparency platform.

Tesco is seeking to transition to ecosystem-based fisheries management by 2030.

In 2022, the retail powerhouse joined the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) after completing an independent audit of the risks to ocean wildlife in the fisheries that supply seafood to the UK supermarket giants, alongside the RSPB and Whale and Dolphin Conservation.

Bycatch audits are a key part of SFP's Protecting Ocean Wildlife initiative, an international, industry-led effort to address marine wildlife bycatch, especially endangered, threatened and protected (ETP) species.

This first-of-its-kind initiative engages retailers, the seafood industry and the entire supply chain to reduce bycatch in fisheries worldwide. Tesco joined SFP as an early partner on the initiative.

Speaking at the time of the announcement, Ian Rolmanis, who is now the Global Markets Director at SFP, said: "As a result of the audit, Tesco can prioritise areas for change and use it as an example to encourage other retailers to take similar action to protect ocean wildlife through their sourcing practices.

"Tesco's ambition on marine conservation and specific focus on fisheries bycatch will make a big difference in ocean health and increasing industry adoption of sustainable practices."

Breaking new waves

Tesco is continuing to improve the welfare of farmed decapod crustaceans, with groundbreaking policy being introduced to set new industry standards.

The Decapoda or decapods (literally "ten-footed") are an order of crustaceans within the class Malacostraca and include crabs, lobsters, crayfish, shrimp and prawns.

Tesco's latest policy initiative in this space, developed with support from the Aquatic Life Institute, is aimed at making sure these aquatic animals receive better treatment during their journey from farming to slaughter.

It is working tirelessly to heed growing consumer concern for animal welfare, with hopes of inspiring other big businesses to follow suit. 

"Tesco is committed to continuous improvement in animal welfare within the markets and supply chains we operate in," says Ben Lambden, Sustainable Aquaculture and Fisheries Manager at Tesco.

"As well as our market-leading 'Tesco Welfare Approved' audit programme, we wanted to go further in stipulating our minimum welfare requirements for farmed decapods. It's our hope that, in doing so, we can play our part in the continued improvement and development of these crucial supply chains."

Tesco's seafood policy hoping to make a splash 

With this new policy, Tesco will stop selling live decapod crustaceans in stores or online.

By 2026, all Penaeus vannamei shrimp farmed in Tesco's supply chain will now be electrically stunned and the company is exploring how to extend this practice to Penaeus monodon shrimp.

In addition, all suppliers will have to ensure compliance with recognised farm assurance schemes like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), Global GAP or 4-star Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP).

By 2030, all suppliers will achieve a Forage Fish/Oil Dependency Ratio of less than one and all shrimp broodstock used by Tesco suppliers will be ablation-free by 2027.

Tesco has received backing from organisations such as the Aquatic Life Institute in developing its new policy. The Institute advised on aquatic animal welfare, provided science-based resources and offered feedback on policy drafts.

This forms part of the institute's Corporate Initiative, launched in 2023, to help large-scale buyers like Tesco integrate animal welfare into their procurement policies. Other supermarket giants, like Waitrose and Marks & Spencer, have made similar moves – once again showcasing the growing trend of aligning corporate strategies with animal welfare principles.

As demand for decapod crustaceans grows, so too does public concern over farming, transportation and slaughter methods. Recent evidence suggests these animals can feel pain and have complex cognitive abilities. Coupled with the 2022 UK law recognising them as sentient beings, a need for higher industry welfare standards is emerging.

"Tesco's public commitment to ensuring high welfare throughout the life cycle (farming to slaughter) of farmed decapod crustaceans in their supply chain is a bold and significant step towards recognising the sentience of these animals," adds Sophika Kostyniuk, Managing Director at the Aquatic Life Institute.

"This policy will no doubt ignite a positive ripple effect across the retail world and we applaud Tesco's leadership on this matter."

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