The Follow the Fish movement has called on the European Commission to require essential consumer information for all seafood products sold in the European Union, regardless of how they are processed or where they are sold.
During a meeting with EU Commissioner for Fisheries and Oceans Costas Kadis, a delegation of stakeholders, including members of the Follow the Fish movement and MEPs, urged the Commission to revise the Common Market Organisation (CMO) Regulation, which sets consumer information requirements for seafood products.
The campaign is seeking mandatory disclosure of information including:
- Species
- Fishing location
- Flag state
- Fishing method
Supporters argue that while consumers buying fresh or frozen seafood generally have access to detailed information, those purchasing processed products often do not.
According to the campaign, important details are not currently required on products such as canned tuna, fish fingers and ready-made seafood meals, including meals served in restaurants.
Vanya Vulperhorst, Oceana's Head of Campaigns in Europe, said consumers have a right to know where seafood comes from and how it was caught or produced.
"People have a right to know more about the seafood they buy, including where it comes from and how it was caught or produced. Transparency on origin, production methods, and the catching nation is paramount to helping consumers make informed choices."
She added that stronger transparency requirements would reward businesses that fish legally, invest in sustainable practices and comply with higher standards.
Bart van Olphen, founder of Fish Tales, said it was inconsistent for consumers to lose access to information once fish is processed.
"It makes no sense that consumers have the right to know where fresh fish comes from and how it was caught but lose that right when the same fish ends up in a can."
He said Fish Tales has long prioritised traceability and transparency and believes all consumers should be able to make informed purchasing decisions.
The campaign comes as the European Commission prepares to unveil its Vision 2040 for Fisheries and Aquaculture later this year. Follow the Fish argues that transparency should form a central part of that strategy to ensure seafood can be traced throughout the supply chain and consumers can make informed choices.
The movement brings together almost 40 stakeholders, including chefs, members of the European Parliament, restaurants, seafood businesses, wholesalers, producer organisations, consumer associations and NGOs, all calling for stronger consumer information requirements for seafood products.
More information is available at the Follow the Fish campaign website.
