Sustainability is important to us and we believe that best practices result in superior, healthier products that can reduce the strain to wild stocks that are in high commercial demand. We make every effort to source sustainably-harvest seafood that is either caught or farmed in ways that consider the long-term vitality of harvested species and the well-being of the oceans.
With all our seafood sources, we place a high premium of the traceability of the catch – from fishing ground, catch method, vessel, where it is landed, and how and when it is transported to our facility.
We seek and give preference to those producers only raising the best farmed fish in the industry – not just domestically, but globally. We look for growers who apply only the best practice husbandry when raising their seafood – with an emphasis on sustainably raised, environmentally conscious, and all-naturally fed fish. We require that our suppliers provide information on their products and harvesting methods and procedures.
We look for the following criteria when selecting farm-raised seafood:
- Fish are free of artificial colorants, harmful preventative antibiotics, pesticides, anti-foulants, or preservatives.
- No steroids, hormones, and no GMO (Genetic Modification) of any kind.
Fish have non-detectable levels of mercury or PCBs and are subject to testing. - Raised in low stocking densities to promote fish health, prevent disease, and to minimize harvest site effluence.
- Low stress and humane harvesting and handling practices.
- Minimal environmental impact due to effluence or escape; for open sea farms we look for high water/tidal exchange and “fallow” system practices. If farm is located inland, we seek those farms utilizing closed systems with recycled or Zero Water Exchange.
- Sustainable sources of feed, non land-based animals or byproducts, and certified organic feed when possible (currently applies to European Union producers). If using wild seafood items for feed, we seek those producers using sustainable sources where the fish are not in jeopardy.
- Traceability systems that extend the entire supply chain, from the brood stock/juveniles, through their growth and harvest, and shipment to the market.
