Zalo Fresh Principles:

Sustainability of wild caught :

1. Caught from healthy, abundant populations of marine life to ensure species are well-sustained
2. Harvested in methods that limit bycatch and harm to species not intended for catch
3. Harvested in responsibly managed areas to avoid overfishing and other harmful effects on wildlife
4. Labor standards and ethics are observed and firmly upheld among marinas and fisheries

Sustainability of farm raised(aquaculture):

1. Farmed in responsible, environmentally friendly fisheries
2. Fed using species’ natural diets to ensure nutritional value, retention of natural color, and prevention of further processing
3. Prohibition of antibiotics, hormones, and chemicals to safeguard against unnecessary contamination or modification
4. Labor standards and ethics are observed and firmly upheld among farms and fisheries

Wild-Caught vs. Farm-Raised for Sustainability:

There are quite a few myths and misconceptions that influence popular opinion about farm-raised (aquaculture) vs. wild-caught seafood. However, if you consider the facts, catching and farming methods are often equally sustainable, each having their own advantages.

Despite the poor reputation often attributed to farm-raised seafood, fish raised on farms are able to be observed and surveyed throughout their entire life cycle––which gives us greater control of their consumption and habitat. In this case, we can know exactly where they’re located and what they’re eating at all times—something wild-caught methods lack. Responsible farming enables fisheries to ensure safe methods and practices, which revolve around:

1. location of the species (usually farmed in their natural habitat)
2. capacity of nets (to avoid overcrowding)
3. diet of the species (only natural diets are used to prevent discoloration)
4. cleanliness of nets and water

Zalo Fresh is committed to maintaining responsible standards concerning farming practices and outsourcing.

When it comes to wild-caught seafood, as long as the catching methods are eco-friendly––avoiding overfishing and harm to other species and habitats (which Zalo Fresh proudly advocates)––then there is little risk in terms of sustainability. Preventing harmful bycatch and pollution can sometimes be the biggest challenge for commercial fishermen, which is where aquaculture often proves to be more eco-friendly. However, if harmful methods can be mitigated, which they often are, wild-caught seafood preserves its positive impact and remains a sustainable option. Catching wild seafood is a tradition that, if kept safe and sustainable, will continue to nourish the planet far into the future.