WWF-SASSI

The WWF-SASSI fact sheet is a consumer guide that classifies seafood species based on their sustainability and legal status in South Africa. It uses a traffic-light system—Green (Best Choice), Orange (Think Twice), and Red (Don't Buy)—to help consumers make informed choices based on species health, fishing methods, and management effectiveness. The guide highlights specific species, such as SA trawled hake as an example of MSC eco-labelled wild-caught seafood, and warns against purchasing 'no-sale' or specially protected species listed in red with a dark background.

• The WWF-SASSI initiative is a collaboration between multiple entities, including the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, SANBI, and the City of Cape Town, aimed at improving the conservation status of overexploited seafood species via "education, awareness and behaviour change".
• Seafood is categorised into three sustainability levels: Green for the "healthiest and most well-managed populations", Orange for those with "reasons for concern" such as depleted populations or high fishing pressure, and Red for unsustainable populations or species that are "illegal to sell in South Africa".
• The guide specifies that certain red-listed species are strictly illegal to sell in South Africa, specifically those identified as "specially protected or recreational ‘no sale’ species".
• Sustainable seafood choices are determined by three primary criteria: the health and vulnerability of the fish stock (What), the environmental impact of the capture method (How), and the effectiveness of fishery management (Where).

APA

WWF South Africa (2025). WWF-SASSI. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/img/original/sassi-a0-poster-2025-update---digital.pdf

Chicago

WWF South Africa. WWF-SASSI. 2025. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/img/original/sassi-a0-poster-2025-update---digital.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=WWF South Africa |title=WWF-SASSI |date=December 2025 |url=https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/img/original/sassi-a0-poster-2025-update---digital.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{wwfsouthafrica2025wwfsassi, author = {{WWF South Africa}}, title = {{WWF-SASSI}}, institution = {WWF South Africa}, year = {2025}, month = dec, url = {https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/img/original/sassi-a0-poster-2025-update---digital.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }