Note: The following press release from the governor's office comes in apparent response to this pronouncement from Walmart.
Office of Gov. Sean Parnell
Jan. 24, 2014
State, Walmart announce agreement on seafood sustainability
JUNEAU — Following focused efforts by the state of Alaska to educate, inform and reassure Walmart about Alaska's commitment to responsible fisheries management, Gov. Sean Parnell today announced that Walmart and the state had come to an agreement, and that the retailer will continue to purchase Alaska seafood.
"This is great news for Alaska's seafood industry and the state as a whole," Parnell said. "We are very happy to hear that Walmart, the world's largest retailer, will continue to buy Alaska seafood. I want to especially commend the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, the Department of Fish and Game and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute for their hard work in showcasing the sustainability of Alaska seafood. Maintaining choice in seafood sustainability certifications is important to the state and the fishing industry, and Walmart's decision is a major step in the right direction.”
Representatives from ASMI and several state officials have been working with Walmart and The Sustainability Consortium for several months, including a delegation visiting corporate headquarters in Bentonville, Ark., last September. Just a couple of weeks ago, Walmart sent a delegation to Alaska to continue discussions clarifying aspects of the Responsible Fisheries Management Certification program, and to see firsthand the work being done to ensure Alaska's fish are harvested responsibly.
In addition to continuing to purchase Alaska seafood, Walmart has amended its sourcing policies to allow for multiple certification programs that meet principles outlined by TSC. The state will continue working with TSC as ASMI considers the recently released TSC principles.
Maybe we don't want our fish at Walmart. Let them have farmed fish.
ReplyDeleteI would never step foot in a Walmart....
ReplyDeleteAt what price point is a lot of Alaska wild salmon going to sell in Walmart?
ReplyDeleteLocally, you can by frozen sockeye salmon for anywhere between $15 to $24 per pound.
Is Walmart going to be a big distributor at that price point?
To 9:48, I believe we want our fish in every store, especially the world's largest retailer. Let them sell trident salmon burgers, ready to eat pouches, canned pinks, etc.
ReplyDeleteTo 10:46, you should get out of Cordova once per year. You don't have to go to Walmart but getting out might help.
To 9:31, a retailer the size of Walmart moves a lot of product. Perhaps the majority of that product will be lower value but you may have noticed we catch a lot of pinks, chums, and silvers. I bet they move a lot of lower grade reds too.
This is a non-story.
ReplyDeleteI am amazed at the negative comments to this story. If Wallmart sells Alaska salmon that can only be a good thing for the industry.
ReplyDeleteHopefully this will help the average American to eat more Alaska wild Salmon.