Reeling in Eco-Friendly Catch

CALGARY, May 3, 2012 /CNW/ - Calgary Co-op has gone eco-fishing for our member-owners and reeled in ocean-friendly seafood options with a new labeling system, to help make shopping for environmentally responsible fresh and frozen seafood products easier.

All 23 food centres in Calgary, Airdrie, Strathmore, and soon High River, will take part in the "Reel in the Solution!" sustainable seafood program developed by Federated Co-operatives Limited and SeaChoice, a consortium of five nationally respected Canadian conservation organizations that undertake scientific assessment of the environmental sustainability of wild fisheries and aquaculture products.

After an extensive review by SeaChoice, customers are encouraged to consider the following options: Arctic Char, Sablefish, Steelhead Trout, Rainbow Trout, Dungeness Crab and Mussels which are easily identified with in-store signage and labeling. A green SeaChoice label indicates a "Best Choice" item that is well managed, abundant, and caught or farmed in environmentally sustainable ways. A yellow label identifies a "Some Concerns" item and a red label signifies an item to "Avoid."

"Calgary Co-op and their customers can take pride knowing their efforts are helping to ensure the long term viability of our oceans and the products harvested from them," says SeaChoice's Kelly Roebuck. "Together, we are making a positive difference for the health of our oceans."

Trevor Moore, operations director, Calgary Co-op is thankful for the leadership provided by SeaChoice and its effort to educate consumers and help them choose responsible seafood selections.  "We are doing what we can to make it easy for our member-owners to source sustainable options and keep our oceans healthy."

About Calgary Co-op
Calgary Co-op is one of the largest retail co-operatives in North America. With over 440,000 members, 3400 employees, assets of $441 million and annual sales over $1 billion, Calgary Co-op, Calgary's local fresh market is committed to lead in food, petroleum, home health care, pharmacy and travel. Investing over 3.5 million into the Calgary community, Calgary Co-op supports numerous not-for-profit and charitable organizations within the city.

About SeaChoice
Formed in 2006, SeaChoice is a national program that provides science-based sustainability assessments of seafood and helps Canadian businesses and consumers make sustainable seafood choices. SeaChoice is a joint initiative of Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society, David Suzuki Foundation, Ecology Action Centre, Living Oceans Society and Sierra Club BC. Working in collaboration with the Monterey Bay Aquarium's acclaimed Seafood Watch program, SeaChoice undertakes science-based seafood assessments, provides informative resources for consumers, and supports businesses through collaborative partnerships.

Cindy Drummond, Manager, Communications
Calgary Co-operative Association
403.219.6025 ext. 6137