Built on Science

FishWise uses a suite of science-based tools to deliver measurable environmental and financial gains. We are uniquely positioned within the sustainable seafood industry with a history of strong ties to both non-profit organizations and seafood businesses. All of our services are based on the best available independent research. We leverage this research to drive best practices and build unique tools to evaluate the sustainability of seafood.

Our organization’s scientific credentials are grounded in top tier, peer-reviewed, fisheries and aquaculture research. We maintain academic affiliations via our Science Director (Research Associate, University of British Columbia Fisheries Centre), and Board members (Faculty, University of New Hampshire). This expertise is used to translate current scientific information into clear, up to date and referenced recommendations for your business.

Science-based FishWise Materials

Our retail program draws on respected methods for assessing wild fisheries and aquaculture, such as the criteria developed by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch Program and the Environmental Defense Fund, as well as a variety of fisheries and aquaculture and certifications. The rigor of all recommendations is upheld through the use of material supported by peer-reviewed scientific journals. FishWise translates the best available science into clear, understandable point-of-purchase materials, training programs, sourcing advice, and simple benchmarks. These products allow your business to create a credible, leading, sustainable seafood policy.

Research to Advance Change

At FishWise, we use scientific research to build new tools and perspectives that advance change in the seafood industry. We are actively leading the push to find solutions to sourcing issues for the emerging sustainable seafood marketplace by:

• Developing certification mechanisms for all scales of producers
• Assessing the effects of labeling on consumer behavior
• Quantifying the impacts of fisheries and aquaculture improvement projects
• Examining the drivers and effects of mis-labeling throughout the supply chain
• Researching mechanisms for traceability that are feasible at a variety of scales

Our collaborations involve stakeholders from the supply chain, members of the sustainability community, technology engineers and academic researchers. In the interests of fostering trust across sectors, FishWise strives always to work with publicly available, transparent methods and with external review of its products.

Learn more about:

• Assessment Methods – FishWise recommends seafood based on environmental and health concerns using respected methodology such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium and Environmental Defense Fund.


• FishWise Science – The FishWise science team uses the most current scientific information on fisheries and aquaculture practices to help innovate new tools to advance the seafood industry.