NMFS, industry win Steller sea lion case

A federal judge has ruled in favor of the National Marine Fisheries Service and industry in a case in which Oceana and Greenpeace challenged expanded commercial fishing in the Aleutian chain.

Here's the 18-page order.

Oceana, Greenpeace sue over sea lions

Environmental groups Oceana and Greenpeace this week filed suit against the National Marine Fisheries Service in a bid to block expanded commercial fishing in the Aleutian chain.

The suit is a reaction to the new federal policy on Steller sea lion protections.

Who knew?

Did you know that the "Grand Canyons of the Sea" can be found off Alaska's coast?

And that these two underwater canyons are prominent "Green Belt" features?

And that Bering Sea commercial fishing vessels, including factory trawlers "the size of ocean liners," are dragging nets and longlines through the canyons?

And that these canyons, which are "remarkable biologically," really should be protected?

And that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, which is meeting this week in Anchorage and lacks "conservation seats," probably won't do the right thing without a push from Greenpeace and other groups?

Read all about it and see lots of pictures here.

Target tosses farmed salmon; Greenpeace thrilled!

Here's the press release:

Jan. 26, 2010

Target Eliminates Farmed Salmon From All Target Stores

Target Owned Food Brands Will Feature Only Wild-Caught Alaskan Salmon

MINNEAPOLIS — Target today announces that it has eliminated all farmed salmon from its fresh, frozen, and smoked seafood offerings in Target stores nationwide. This announcement includes Target owned brands — Archer Farms and Market Pantry — and national brands. All salmon sold under Target owned brands will now be wild-caught Alaskan salmon. Additionally, sushi featuring farm-raised salmon will complete its transition to wild-caught salmon by the end of 2010. In consultation with the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Target is taking this important step to ensure that its salmon offerings are sourced in a sustainable way that helps to preserve abundance, species health and doesn’t harm local habitats.

Many salmon farms impact the environment in numerous ways — pollution, chemicals, parasites and non-native farmed fish that escape from salmon farms all affect the natural habitat and the native salmon in the surrounding areas. Wild-caught salmon from Alaska is considered a "Best Choice" by the Monterey Bay Aquarium and is certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council. Alaskan salmon is among the most intensively managed species in the world, with excellent monitoring of both the fish populations and the fishery.

"Target strives to be a responsible steward of the environment, while also providing our guests with the highest-quality food choices," said Greg Duppler, senior vice president, merchandising, Target. "Our guests now have an array of sustainable seafood choices at great prices."

"Target's decision to source sustainable wild-caught salmon, instead of farmed, will have a real impact in the marketplace — and ultimately, on the health of our oceans," said Julie Packard, executive director of the Monterey Bay Aquarium. "Increasing the demand for seafood from ocean-friendly sources, like this Monterey Bay Aquarium 'Best Choice,' charts us on a course not only to protect our oceans, but to improve fishing and fish-farming practices around the world."

"Greenpeace applauds Target's decision to replace farmed salmon with wild Alaskan salmon, a relatively sustainable and healthy product, throughout its operations," said Casson Trenor, Greenpeace's senior markets campaigner. "The company's decision to address this issue represents an incredible willingness to challenge old paradigms in favor of sound science and environmental preservation, as well as provide real market value to its guests. We have no doubt that the leadership by Target will set a new standard for the seafood industry; one we hope is echoed by other retailers."

A number of Target salmon offerings have been awarded the prestigious MSC fishery certification, including wild Alaskan salmon fillets, Archer Farms Frozen Sockeye Salmon Fillets and Market Pantry Frozen Keta Salmon Fillets. Also, Target currently offers guests multiple sustainable salmon choices under its owned brands at budget friendly prices, including: Archer Farms Smoked Sockeye Salmon, Archer Farms Hot Smoked Pepper Salmon, Archer Farms Cajun Smoked Sockeye Salmon, Market Pantry Crab Stuffed Salmon Roulade, Market Pantry Florentine Salmon Roulade and Market Pantry Keta Salmon Side.

About Target

Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) serves guests at 1,744 stores in 49 states nationwide and at Target.com. Target is committed to providing a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to unique and highly differentiated products at affordable prices. Since 1946, the corporation has given 5 percent of its income through community grants and programs like Take Charge of Education. Today, that giving equals more than $3 million a week.

Greenpeace: Pollock fishery 'in trouble'

Here's the Greenpeace view on last week's news about this summer's Bering Sea pollock surveys.