Compass Group Canada Partners with Seafood Watch

Picture your favourite seafood dish. Maybe it’s a perfectly grilled salmon, a steaming bowl of mussels, or fresh tuna sashimi. Now imagine the journey that brought it to your plate – the fishing boats heading out before dawn, the careful handling of the catch, the precise timing needed to deliver it fresh to your table. But there’s another story beneath the surface, one that’s reshaping how we think about seafood.

Over a third of fish stocks around the world are fished at biologically unsustainable levels, endangering future food supplies as a result. Future generations have the right to sustainable food sources, and with the global population set to reach 10 billion by 2050, the need to harness our natural resources responsibly is more urgent than ever. Yet there’s hope on the horizon – scientists have discovered that with proper management, our oceans could actually produce 16 million more tonnes of seafood annually—enough to feed 72 million people worldwide. 

What is sustainable seafood?

Sustainable seafood comes from fisheries or aquaculture operations that minimize harmful environmental impacts, ensure good and fair working conditions, and support livelihoods and economic benefits throughout the entire supply chain.  

Source – Seafood Watch

This potential for positive change drives our newest partnership with Seafood Watch. For over 25 years, Seafood Watch has been a trusted leader in sustainable seafood, offering science-based recommendations that guide businesses and consumers toward more responsible choices. Their commitment to ocean health and sustainability has earned them a respected place in the industry, and we’re proud to partner with them. 

Through this collaboration, we are not only improving the sustainability of our seafood sourcing, but also transforming our kitchens and supply chains. Every piece of seafood we serve is carefully selected, and will be guided by Seafood Watch’s science-based recommendations. This ensures that we are: 

• Supporting fisheries and aquaculture operations  that better protect vulnerable ocean ecosystems  

• Serving you meals that make a positive environmental impact, aligning with our broader sustainability goals 

“Our partnership with Seafood Watch is a key part of our commitment to environmental sustainability,” says, Jennifer Lambert, Director of Sustainability at Compass Group Canada. “By integrating their rigorous standards into our Supply Chain Integrity Standards, we’re setting new benchmarks for responsible sourcing while ensuring our customers receive safe, wholesome, and more sustainably sourced seafood. This collaboration aligns perfectly with our vision to lead the industry in sustainable practices. We’re not just making promises about sustainability – we’re implementing concrete actions that will help protect our oceans for future generations while delivering the highest quality seafood to our customers today.” 

Through this collaboration, Foodbuy Canada, our procurement arm, will work directly with Seafood Watch to implement their recommendations throughout our supply chain. This integration means every seafood choice we make will be guided by extensive research and data, ensuring our selections support healthy ocean ecosystems. 

Why sustainable seafood?

Billions of people around the world rely on seafood for nutrition and their livelihoods. As this number continues to grow, sustainable fishing and farming methods are needed to meet the demand — and protect the environment. 

Source – Seafood Watch

“We are delighted to partner with Compass Group Canada in advancing their sustainable seafood practices,“ Shawn Cronin, Director, Market Engagement, Global Ocean Conservation. “This partnership demonstrates how industry leaders can make meaningful contributions to ocean conservation while delivering high-quality seafood products to their customers. Through collaborations like this, we’re proving that sustainable business practices and environmental stewardship can go hand in hand. Compass Group Canada’s commitment to implementing our science-based ratings across their operations will help protect marine ecosystems while setting high standards for corporate responsibility in the food service industry.” 

Many of the fish we enjoy are facing threats due to harmful fishing and farming practices. However, you can help make a difference for our oceans by making more responsible seafood choices. Seafood Watch’s guides can show you how. Whether you’re shopping or dining, use their seafood guides to select environmentally sustainable options that support ocean health.

This isn’t just about serving better seafood – it’s about being part of the solution. By choosing more sustainable options today, we’re helping ensure abundant oceans for tomorrow. Every meal we serve tells a story of hope for our oceans, and you’re part of that story every time you dine with us.