Archive 2009
CUMBRIAN SEAFOODS ONLY SOURCE YELLOWFIN TUNA FROM POLE & LINE BOATS
Cumbrian Seafoods, the UK’s 3rd largest chilled seafood supplier in the UK, has endorsed the issues raised in the BBC2 documentary 
“South Pacific” broadcasted on Sunday 14th June 2009, which highlights the dangers to the Yellowfin Tuna stocks due to unsustainable trawling practices.
Huw Thomas, Head of Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing at Cumbrian Seafoods, said: “Anything that draws attention to sustainability issues for wild-caught seafood is a step in the right direction. At Cumbrian Seafoods we only source Yellowfin Tuna from boats that use the traditional pole and line method, rather than trawling which is a far more responsible method of catching Tuna as it minimises by-catch and dramatically reduces the chance of attracting Albatross to the bait.”
Over the last 25 years, the company’s founder, Peter Vassallo has consistently pursued a responsible approach to harvesting a resource once believed to be inexhaustible. He commented “One of Cumbrian Seafoods most fundamental aims has been to champion a sustainable and ethical standard in all that we deliver to our customers” Continuing he added, “We all have an undeniable responsibility to ensure that the issues surrounding the tuna industry are fully addressed and as such have, and are continuing to invest in legitimate and sustainable infrastructure projects in the Maldives to help the region to fish more responsibly.”
Earlier this year Cumbrian Seafoods were the first UK supplier to launch MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) accredited Atlantic Cod & Haddock, and in 2008, the company was the first in Europe to be awarded with the ACC (Aquaculture Certification Council) Accreditation.
CUMBRIAN SEAFOODS LAUNCH THE FIRST EVER MSC ACCREDITED ATLANTIC COD & HADDOCK IN THE UK
Cumbrian Seafoods, one of the UK’s largest seafood suppliers, is pleased to announce the launch in Asda on 1st March 2009 of MSC accredited Cod Loins and Haddock Loins using the Cumbrian Seafoods ‘Perfect Catch’ label.
The blue MSC logo, displayed on the packs, provides a guarantee to customers that the products are sourced in a way that safeguards seafood supplies for future generations.
Huw Thomas, Head of Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing at Cumbrian Seafoods, said: “Our goal is to lead the market in terms of responsible and ethical sourcing of seafood and we have worked very closely with our suppliers, Domstein AS of Norway, to launch these products. They reflect our own and Asda’s commitment to supplying seafood from certified sustainable and responsible sources.”
Chris Brown, Asda’s Head of Ethical & Sustainable Sourcing added “As our customers expect us to do everything we can to protect wild fish stocks, we chose to work with Cumbrian Seafoods on the development of this initiative. Cod & Haddock are still some of the most popular species in the UK and this launch gives our customers the confidence that they are buying fish from sustainable sources.”
This launch is another first for Cumbrian Seafoods who has an established track record of leading the UK seafood market. The company was the first in the UK to introduce Cod Loins back in 1998 and in 2008 were the first supplier in Europe to be ACC Certified (Aquaculture Certification Council).
