South Africans are consuming more seafood than ever before — rising from an estimated 325 000 tonnes in 2022 to 350 000 tonnes in 2024 — according to a new consumer survey by WWF’s Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (WWF-SASSI).
Image used for illustrative purposes/Max Mota/Unsplash
The survey also reveals a growing awareness of the importance of sustainability in seafood choices. In 2022, 47% of consumers reported concern for sourcing seafood responsibly; in 2024, that figure climbed to 52%.
These findings form part of the newly released 2024 WWF-SASSI Retailer and Supplier Participation Scheme (RSPS) Report, which highlights progress made by participants in advancing sustainable seafood sourcing over the past two decades.
Participants in the RSPS include some of South Africa’s leading retailers and suppliers, among them Pick n Pay, Woolworths, SPAR, Shoprite, Checkers, Food Lover’s Market, John Dory’s, and Atlantis Foods Group. The report measures their performance against self-set commitments, tracking responsible sourcing by volume and by species, with many showing steady improvement year on year.
Transparent and traceable information remains key to sustainable seafood. Knowing where seafood comes from, how it is caught, and which species it is helps determine its sustainability status. Making this information accessible to suppliers, retailers, and consumers enables informed purchasing decisions.
“While we recognise and appreciate the current efforts of retailers and suppliers to facilitate behavioural change, the goal now is to further enhance these initiatives,” says Pavitray Pillay, Head of Business Development and Marketing at WWF South Africa.
“This can be done through more staff training, improved on-pack labelling, ensuring traceable systems are in place, and providing consumers with better information to support informed decision-making.
“With more seafood species undergoing assessment and an influx of international species landing in South African retailer spaces, the need to work together in the interests of sustainability is greater than ever before. Together, we can make responsibly and sustainably sourced seafood not just an aspiration but the default choice for all.”
Read the full report here: wwf.org.za/our_research/publications/?55962/wwf-sassi-rsps-report-2024
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