Dolphin friendly? New research shows vague environmental labelling is common on NZ seafood products

Research on New Zealand seafood products reveals that a significant portion of environmental claims are vague and potentially misleading, effectively functioning as greenwashing. Many labels use ambiguous terms like “sustainably fished” or “dolphin friendly” without providing specific details, which contradicts international best practices and local regulatory guidance. This lack of clarity misleads consumers into believing they are making eco-friendly choices when the environmental impact remains unclear, undermining trust in sustainable purchasing. The core issue is a regulatory gap that does not require manufacturers to disclose harvest locations or methods, leaving most products uninformative. Consequently, consumers cannot accurately assess the ecological consequences of their purchases, such as the damage caused by specific fishing techniques. By failing to mandate transparent labeling, the current system allows companies to benefit from perceived environmental responsibility without substantiating their practices, thereby obscuring the true impact of fishing on marine ecosystems. This situation highlights the urgent need for stronger enforcement and clearer labeling rules to prevent greenwashing. While other countries are moving toward banning vague claims and requiring pre-approval for environmental statements, New Zealand relies on reactive consumer complaints, which is insufficient given the prevalence of misleading labels. Proactive regulatory intervention is essential to ensure transparency, empower consumers with factual information, and incentivize genuine improvements in fishing practices.

Source: theconversation.com
Published on 2024-09-06

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