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Alcampo is one of the supermarket chains that has agreed to not sell endangered shark. (Photo: Stock File)
Alcampo, Sabeco stop selling endangered shark
SPAIN
Friday, October 09, 2009, 01:40 (GMT + 9)
Hypermarket chain Alcampo and supermarket chains Sabeco and Simply Market announced they will refrain from selling endangered shark, and only species that are not threatened will be distributed.
The decision was taken by supermarket executives of the 12 countries of the Auchan Group and supermarkets Simply Market, of France.
More than a year ago, and under the assumed commitment to assure the conservation of the oceans, Alcampo, Sabeco and Simply Market stopped commercialising bluefin tuna in its fish shops, in contending it is an at-risk species.
In addition, throughout 2009, they stopped distributing European flounder and three species of redfish (Sesbastes marinus, Sebastes mentella and Sebastes faciatus) for the same reason.
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A Greenpeace banner asking consumers to pick and buy sustainable seafood only. (Image: Greenpeace)
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With the shark announcement, the three supermarket chains reaffirm their wish to back sustainable fishing and aquaculture, to ensure a continuous supply of fish.
As part of this commitment, they sell farmed cod and herbivorous species like pangasius and tilapia in its stores, Europa Press reports.
Also, the three companies have worked for years on the development of their brand ‘Controlled Auchan Production,’ which identifies a large number of fresh foods produced in collaboration with small and medium-sized companies, and which includes mussel, turbot, salmon and trout.
In late September, the Ministry of Environment and Rural and Marine Affairs (MARM) prohibited the capture of thresher sharks and scalloped hammerhead sharks, in an effort to protect both vulnerable species.
According to the norm, which is set to enter into force 1 January 2010, Spanish fishing ships will not be able to catch, transfer, land or commercialise these sharks in any of the fishing-grounds they target.
Alcampo boasts 50 hypermarkets and 26 petrol stations in 14 autonomous communities, as well as a work force of more than 15,000 people.
Sabeco possesses 124 supermarkets and supermarkets under the Sabeco and Simply brand names, and 13 petrol stations in nine autonomous communities. It employs a workforce of 6,000 workers.
Greenpeace congratulated Alcampo for ceasing to commercialise some endangered fish species.
“Greenpeace congratulates Alcampo and encourages other supermarkets and hypermarkets in Spain to move towards the sustainability and recovery of our oceans threatened by overfishing, contamination and climate change,” said Paloma Colmenarejo, the head of Greenpeace’s Oceans campaign.
“We hope that this initiative is the start of the development of a sustainable purchase policy and that Alcampo continues withdrawing more at-risk species, supporting sustainable fishing and improving the traceability of its products,” she added.
Related article:
- Shark fishing prohibited
By Analia Murias
editorial@fis.com
www.fis.com
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