The “Follow the Fish” movement is calling on the European Commission to make it mandatory to provide consumers with basic information about all fishery and aquaculture products, regardless of how they are processed or where they are sold. This information should include, among other things, the species, the catch area, the fishing vessel’s flag state, and the fishing method. During a meeting with the EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans, Kostas Kadis, a delegation representing various organizations—including members of “Follow the Fish” and members of the European Parliament— called for a revision of the Common Market Organization (CMO) Regulation, which sets out consumer information requirements for fishery and aquaculture products.
“Consumers have the right to know more about the fish and seafood they buy, including where it comes from and how it was caught or produced. Transparency regarding origin, production methods, and the country of catch is crucial so that consumers can make informed choices. At the same time, it rewards companies that operate legally, invest in sustainable practices, and adhere to stricter standards. To ensure that this information reaches consumers and that products from illegal and unsustainable fishing do not enter the EU market, strict traceability and consumer information requirements are needed for all seafood products,” said Vanya Vulperhorst, Oceana’s Head of Campaigns in Europe.
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While consumers who buy fresh or frozen fish and seafood—whether whole or filleted—currently have access to detailed information about the products they choose, In contrast, when it comes to processed products, key details about the fish they consume are often missing. Currently, information such as origin and fishing method is not required to be listed on products such as canned tuna, fish cakes, and prepared seafood meals, as well as on similar products served in restaurants.
“It makes no sense for consumers to know where fresh fish comes from and how it was caught, but to lose that information once the same fish ends up in a can. At Fish Tales, full traceability and transparency have always been our priority, and we’ve proven that it’s possible to provide this information to consumers. We believe that everyone should be able to know what they are buying so they can make informed decisions. “It is time for EU legislation to establish the same level of transparency across the entire industry,” said Bart van Olphen, founder of Fish Tales.
The revision of the CFP, aimed at enhancing transparency, is particularly timely, as the European Commission is expected to present the “Vision 2040” for fisheries and aquaculture this fall. Transparency in the seafood and fishery products sector must be a key pillar of this strategy, so that consumers can make informed choices and product traceability is ensured throughout the supply chain.
The “Follow the Fish” initiative brings together nearly 40 key stakeholders and industry representatives, including chefs, members of the European Parliament, restaurants, seafood companies, wholesalers, producer organizations, consumer associations, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), who are jointly calling for reliable and comprehensive consumer information on fishery and aquaculture products.
