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In today’s world, sustainable seafood is more critical than ever. Our oceans and aquatic ecosystems are under immense pressure from overfishing, habitat destruction, and climate change. Sustainable seafood practices ensure that we can enjoy the health benefits of seafood while preserving the environment for future generations. By choosing sustainably sourced seafood, we support responsible fishing practices that help maintain fish populations, protect marine habitats, and reduce the environmental impact of our consumption.
Consumers deserve clear and reliable information about the sustainability and nutritional value of their seafood. Seafood is a vital component of a balanced diet, offering high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals. However, not all seafood is created equal. Understanding the sustainability of seafood helps consumers make choices that are good for their health and the planet. VeriFish provides a framework of verifiable indicators, making it easier for consumers to identify sustainable seafood options.
Knowing where your seafood comes from is crucial. The provenance of seafood can significantly impact its sustainability. Locally sourced seafood often has a smaller carbon footprint and supports local economies. However, without proper labeling and information, consumers may inadvertently choose imported products that contribute to overfishing and habitat destruction. VeriFish helps bridge this gap by offering clear information about the origins of seafood products.
Seafood can offer numerous health benefits, but it can also pose risks if not properly managed. Contaminants such as mercury, microplastics, and harmful bacteria can affect the safety of seafood. By providing transparent information about the safety and health benefits of different seafood products, VeriFish empowers consumers to make informed choices that promote their well-being. This information helps mitigate potential health risks and ensures that consumers can confidently enjoy the benefits of seafood.
Fisheries play a crucial role in providing a sustainable source of seafood. Responsible fisheries management practices help maintain fish populations and ensure that seafood can be harvested without depleting the resource. However, overfishing, bycatch, and habitat destruction remain significant challenges. By supporting sustainable fisheries, consumers can contribute to the health of our oceans and the long-term viability of fish stocks.
Aquaculture, or fish farming, offers a promising solution to meet the growing demand for seafood. When managed sustainably, aquaculture can reduce pressure on wild fish stocks and provide a reliable source of nutritious seafood. However, it also presents challenges, such as habitat degradation, water pollution, and disease outbreaks. Sustainable aquaculture practices are essential to minimize these impacts and ensure that farmed seafood is both safe and environmentally friendly. VeriFish includes aquaculture in its framework, providing valuable information on the sustainability of farmed seafood products.
The VeriFish project addresses the need for standardized, verifiable information on seafood sustainability, nutritional values, provenance, and potential health risks. By offering a comprehensive framework of indicators and guidelines, VeriFish simplifies the complex landscape of seafood consumption. The project includes a prototype mobile app and a series of media products designed to educate and engage consumers, making it easier than ever to make informed, sustainable choices.
A fishery biologist presently employed at the National Research Council, Institute for Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnology (Ancona, Italy), he brings to the table more than thirty years of expertise in marine environmental conservation and sustainable resource management. Over the course of his career, he has overseen and participated in numerous international projects focused on understanding and mitigating anthropic impacts on marine ecosystems. Since 2019, he holds a membership in the Scientific, Technical and Economic Committee for Fisheries (STECF) under the European Commission. Within this role, he has chaired two STECF Expert Working Groups (EWG 22-12 and EWG 23-18), where he led efforts to establish scientifically robust yet accessible criteria and indicators for assessing the sustainability of fisheries products.
Andrea Fabris born 11.08.1968, Italian, has a Veterinary Medicine full graduation achieved at the University of Parma. He has also a Specialization in “Farming, Hygiene, Pathology of Aquatic Species and Control of Derivative Products ” achieved at Udine University and a Specialization in “Animal Feeding” obtained at Bologna University.
Actually (from May 2016) he is Director of Associazione Piscicoltori Italiani (API – Italian Fish Farmers Association). At National level behalf of API he is member of some working groups at the General Direction for Fisheries and Aquaculture of Italian Ministry of Agriculture and Italian Ministry of Health regarding aquaculture EU rules and their implementation at national and regional level, and member of Exotic Species Aquaculture Committee – Italian Ministry of Agriculture. Lecturer on in training /courses organized by Ministry of Health, Universities and Local Veterinary Authorities; member of Board of Directors of SIPI (Italian Society of Fish Pathology).
He is also involved at international level with the Federation of European Aquaculture Producers (FEAP) as Chairman of FEAP Fish Health and Welfare Commission. Andrea is part of the FVE (Federation of Veterinarians Europe) Aquaculture Working Group, and of FishMedPlus Coalition, and from the beginning member of Aquaculture Advisory Council (AAC) where is actually Chair of WG1 – Finfish.
He published as an author or co-author about 30 articles on international and national scientific journals concerning Fish pathology and Aquaculture and more than 60 issues on divulgative (fishermen and aquaculture producers associations) publications
Anne shapes global sustainable fisheries and aquaculture policies through her work at the science-policy interface. Driven by a commitment to improving human lives and aquatic ecosystems, she serves as the Professional Officer for Fisheries and Aquaculture Advice at the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in Copenhagen, Denmark. Anne leads ICES’ efforts in developing and applying methods to provide scientific advice on data-limited fish and shellfish stocks in the Northeast Atlantic, covering over 60% of ICES stocks. She also heads the development of ICES’
advisory framework for sustainable aquaculture. Before joining ICES, Anne advised on national fisheries, aquaculture, climate, and marine science policy in the US Senate, House of Representatives, and NOAA. She holds a Ph.D. in Conservation Biology and Development Studies and Social Change Theory and an M.Sc. in Fisheries Science from the University of Minnesota.
Irene Kranendonk is the Impact Manager at Fish Tales and a board member of the Fish Tales Foundation. Her work focuses on developing and guiding Fish Tales’ sourcing criteria including management of the environmental and social certification schemes. With the Fish Tales Foundation and local partner organizations, she drives social and environmental improvements in small scale fisheries. Irene holds a master’s degree from Wageningen University in Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management and is specialized in the field of fisheries ecology. In a previous role, Irene was sustainable seafood assessor for the Dutch seafood rating scheme the VISwijzer.
Irene Kranendonk is the Impact Manager at Fish Tales and a board member of the Fish Tales Foundation. Her work focuses on developing and guiding Fish Tales’ sourcing criteria including management of the environmental and social certification schemes. With the Fish Tales Foundation and local partner organizations, she drives social and environmental improvements in small scale fisheries. Irene holds a master’s degree from Wageningen University in Aquaculture and Marine Resource Management and is specialized in the field of fisheries ecology. In a previous role, Irene was sustainable seafood assessor for the Dutch seafood rating scheme the VISwijzer.