When you buy sea bass or sea bream from your local supermarket in the UK, France, Germany, or Italy, you might not realize the broader implications of your choice. Recent investigations reveal a troubling connection between European seafood consumption and food insecurity in Senegal.
From Senegal to European Supermarkets
A joint investigation by The Guardian and DeSmog found that fish like sea bass and bream—sold at retailers including Waitrose, Aldi, Lidl, and Asda—are farmed in Turkey by companies such as Kılıç Deniz. These farms rely on fishmeal produced in Senegal, made from small, edible fish crucial to local diets.
The Human and Environmental Cost
- Food Insecurity: Fish make up more than 70% of protein intake for many Senegalese. As fish stocks are diverted for export, local communities face growing malnutrition.
- Unemployment: Over 600,000 people work in Senegal’s fishing sector. Reduced fish stocks threaten their jobs—especially for women working in fish processing.
- Migration: Economic hardship has driven many young Senegalese to risk dangerous journeys to Europe.
Are Labels Misleading You?
Some of these products are certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). However, critics argue the certifications ignore social and ecological impacts. UK naturalist Chris Packham called the practice a "dereliction of duty" by retailers and certifiers alike. (The Guardian)
"Ecological Colonialism" and Global Injustice
Greenpeace Africa has labeled this trade dynamic as a form of "ecological colonialism", where resources from developing nations are drained to sustain wealthier countries—with devastating consequences for local people.
What You Can Do
- Stay informed – Learn where your fish comes from and how it’s sourced.
- Buy responsibly – Choose brands committed to ethical, sustainable practices.
- Advocate for change – Demand transparency and accountability from retailers and regulators.
Conclusion
Our everyday choices at the supermarket carry global consequences. By being conscious consumers, we can support sustainability, fairness, and the rights of communities worldwide.
For more stories on nature, oceans, and global ecology, visit Natural World 50.
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