Exploring the Newest Realm of Aquatic Life: The Cutting Edge of Aquaculture
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) has partnered with Certified Seafood International (CSI), a move that strengthens the promotion and assurance of responsibly sourced, sustainable seafood. CSI’s program focuses on wild-capture certification that is both practical and cost-effective, without compromising rigor [1].
In consumer-facing venues like retail stores, the CSI program manifests through clear labeling and certification of seafood products that meet rigorous wild-capture sustainability standards. This helps retail customers easily identify and choose seafood that is certified as environmentally responsible [1].
The partnership provides a credible and market-friendly certification system to highlight sustainable seafood products, aiding product differentiation and aligning with growing consumer demand for transparency and responsibility. For consumers, it offers assurance through recognizable certification that seafood is harvested in environmentally sustainable ways, enabling healthier, more ethical purchasing decisions [1].
In retail, the CSI certification appears as trustworthy labeling, educational materials, and possibly marketing toolkits that clarify seafood sourcing and sustainability, displayed in stores to aid consumer choices [1]. This partnership therefore supports the entire supply chain’s move toward more sustainable seafood markets while educating and empowering consumers effectively at retail points [1].
Sushi, a seafood trend that attracts younger generations and has been a focus for ASMI due to its high demand and repeat purchases, is a significant contributor to the deli and seafood departments' sales. The CSI program allows for the harvest origin to be included in the logo, which is especially important for regions like Alaska [1].
The partnership between ASMI and CSI goes beyond sound fisheries management - it also means protecting the environment and preserving the purity of Alaska’s wilderness. ASMI provides retailers with tools and resources to build successful promotions, including educational materials, recipes, and promotional support [1].
The Lent campaigns aimed to increase consumer awareness and preference for Alaska seafood and drive sales volume. The campaigns with Super 1, QFC, and Albertsons featured various Alaska seafood species and generated significant sales lifts. The 2025 Seafood Excellence Awards recognized retail and foodservice product leaders in the North American seafood market [1].
ASMI tells the stories of the dedicated fishermen and communities involved in harvesting and processing Alaska seafood through their People Behind the Fish campaign. Alaska's dedication to sustainability is how it continually supplies the world with healthy and delicious Alaska seafood for generations to come [1].
The CSI program carries forward many of the strengths of the Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) program and is based on UN FAO documents and guidelines, focusing on well-managed fisheries. Alaska's fisheries management is mandated by the state constitution to follow the sustained-yield principle [1].
The Marine Stewardship Council and Aquaculture Stewardship Council are nudging sustainable seafood practices into the mainstream. The commitment of ASMI and CSI to sustainable seafood practices is a testament to their dedication to preserving the environment and ensuring the longevity of Alaska's seafood industry [1].
[1] Information sourced from ASMI and CSI websites and press releases.
- The CSI program extends its practical and cost-effective wild-capture certification to the food-and-drink industry, specifically in the deli and seafood departments, where sushi, a seafood trend favored by younger generations, significantly contributes to sales.
- In line with the growing consumer demand for transparency and responsibility, the CSI program's trustworthy labeling, educational materials, and marketing toolkits in retail stores support the selection of seafood products that are certified as environmentally friendly and adhere to sustainable practices, thus aligning with lifestyle choices.
- The collaboration between the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) and Certified Seafood International (CSI) extends beyond the seafood industry, as it also fosters environmentally friendly practices that preserve the natural beauty of Alaska's wilderness, playing a key role in food-and-drink and lifestyle sectors.
