WWF nets Marks & Spencer commitment to sustainable fisheries

Marks & Spencer become the first major supermarket to sign a new charter that aims to protect Europe's waters from overfishing.

The retailer hopes that joining conservation organisation WWF's Seafood Charter will underline its commitment to sustainable sourcing of its entire range of fish and shellfish. By backing the new charter, the company has entered a joint commitment with WWF to work towards sustainable fisheries management and sustainable farmed fish production.

Over the next few years WWF will help M&S evaluate the sustainability of its wild and farmed fish products and give the retailer guidance on identifying and developing more sustainable sources.  

The two organisations plan to tackle issues such as overfishing, bycatch and discards, and will work with fisheries to find solutions to improve their fishing practices. 

WWF said it is in discussions with other retailers and players in the seafood industry with the aim of encouraging more support for its charter, but praised M&S for its leadership in committing to sustainability on the full range of its products.