Animal Keeper's Association of Africa

WWF has revised the SASSI seafood list using an internationally accepted best practice methodology. This methodology was developed by a number of organisations internationally through the Seafood Choices Alliance and is considered best practice for seafood pocket cards. The strength of the new methodology is that for the first time a transparent process is in place that identifies where a species or fishery is progressing well and where the outstanding challenges lie. It also clearly outlines how a species or fishery can move towards a ‘green’ status. Furthermore, since seafood is the most globally traded primary commodity it has become necessary to use a consistent methodology to assess both local and imported seafood so that consumers are presented with consistent advice in seafood pocket cards. This now facilitates fair comparison between countries and allows for the sharing of assessment results between countries. It also allows for the incorporation of new information as it becomes available.

In South Africa, the decision to use the “common methodology” was taken by the WWF Sustainable Fisheries Programme’s Advisory Committee (of which SASSI is a key component). This Committee has representatives from the fishing industry, restaurant and retail sectors as well as the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI) and government which endorsed a three phase process to the development of a revised SASSI list. The first phase was (a) a data/information collection phase, followed by (b) extensive consultation with relevant local and international experts (including input from the Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (DAFF), the University of Cape Town, the Oceanographic Research Institute (ORI), BirdLife South Africa, South African shark conservancy and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)), and finally (c) an external review phase. The review process for wild capture fisheries was led by Dr Kerry Sink from SANBI. The external panel included Bruce Mann (ORI), Dr Sven Kerwath (DAFF), Rob Leslie (DAFF), Martin Purves (MSC), Prideel Majiedt (SANBI) and Dr Ross Wanless (BirdLife). Based on fishing industry concerns, an expanded review panel was established to review key assessments, this panel included the original panel plus Prof George Branch (UCT), Prof Colin Attwood (UCT), and Dr Kim Prochazka, Dr Andy Cockroft, Tracey Fairweather, Dr Steve Lamberth and Dr Janet Coetzee from DAFF. The review process for aquaculture was led by Prof George Branch from the University of Cape Town. The panel included Prof Colin Attwood (UCT), Etienne Hendrichson (AASA), Dr Lizeth Botes (AISA), Dean Impson (CapeNature), Lourens De Wet (Stellenbosch University), Keagan Halley (DAFF), Chumo Morake (DAFF) and Cloverly Lawrence (SANBI).

The role of the panel was to review the draft assessments undertaken by SASSI staff and consultants, including scientific content, accuracy, consultation of appropriate experts for each assessment and consistency across assessments. Assessments rely heavily on broad scientific, biodiversity and fisheries management expertise and should be fairly and objectively applied across species and fishery sectors. The individuals on the review panel were included for their individual experience and their participation in the panel does not constitute organisational endorsement of the methodology or listing results. As is common practice in fishery assessments and seafood lists internationally, the review panel does not include anyone who represents an organization directly benefiting from the seafood industry. However, it is important that fishery or seafood industry stakeholders are provided with a mechanism to input into the process so as to ensure that all available information is considered. As such assessment summaries will available on the SASSI website (www.wwf.org.za/sassi) and full assessment can be requested by email ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ). Written comments providing substantiated information sources (including original copies of data, reports or peer-reviewed publications) will be reviewed by the SASSI review panel. Should new information become available stakeholders are encouraged to submit this information via the same email address.

Imported seafood (wild capture and farmed) are assessed by the appropriate local organisation in the country of origin and reviewed by the WWF international seafood co-ordinator to ensure consistent application of the common methodology. WWF South Africa draws these assessments from an international database for local use. Similarly, all assessments conducted or commissioned by WWF South Africa are submitted to this database for use on seafood pocket cards in countries where South African fish is regularly exported.

The above process has now been completed and the revised SASSI list will be publically available on the 9th September 2010. However, it is important to note that the SASSI list will be an on-going process with new species being assessed as required and as such the SASSI seafood database and seafood card will be regularly updated. Stakeholders are also reminded that while these assessments provide advice, they do not constitute any type of endorsement or eco-label. In order to verify the sustainability of any seafood product, WWF promotes the use of independent and credible 3rd party eco-labels such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and GlobalGAP. Furthermore, current SASSI assessments will be re-evaluated regularly.

The international methodology is reviewed and updated regularly and the SASSI review panel and experts that contributed to assessments are working on constructive recommendations to contribute to further refinement of the assessment methodology.
It is important to remember that the purpose of the SASSI list is to provide consumers and industry with easy-to-use information about the relative sustainability of the seafood available on the South African market. WWF is aware that some of the evaluations may have implications for companies involved in the seafood industry and will continue to work throughout the value chain to help fisheries improve the sustainability of their operations. Given the current threats facing our marine ecosystems, we believe that it is necessary to act now in order to ensure the long-term health of both our seafood industry and the marine resources upon which we all rely.

If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,

Dr Samantha Petersen WWF Sustainable Fisheries Programme