WWF-SASSI RETAILER/SUPPLIER PARTICIPATION SCHEME REPORT 2024

The WWF-SASSI Retailer/Supplier Participation Scheme (RSPS) Report 2024 marks the 20th anniversary of the Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative. It evaluates the progress of major South African seafood retailers and suppliers in sourcing sustainable seafood, tracks consumer awareness trends, and outlines a three-phase strategic plan to establish a collaborative industry collective by 2025 to ensure responsibly sourced seafood becomes the market default.

• Over its 20-year history, WWF-SASSI has assessed more than 2,800 species and provided training to over 5,000 chefs and restaurant staff to promote informed, sustainable seafood choices in South Africa.
• South African seafood consumption is increasing, with the number of people eating seafood rising from 13.9 million in 2022 to 16.7 million in 2025. The national seafood market was valued at R57.7bn ($3.13bn) in 2024.
• Consumer awareness of seafood sustainability in South Africa grew from 47% in 2021/2 to 52% in 2024. A 2025 survey indicates that 65% of consumers actively seek sustainable options, and 83% believe retailers should be responsible for ensuring seafood is ocean-friendly.
• The RSPS tracks the sustainability performance of various retailers. In 2024, Woolworths reported that 93% of its species meet sustainability criteria, while Shoprite Holdings Group reported 19% of its species meet these criteria. Other participants include John Dory's (80%), Food Lover's Market (88%), The SPAR Group Limited (73%), and Atlantis Foods (65%).
• WWF-SASSI utilizes Fisheries Improvement Projects (FIPs) to transition fisheries toward sustainability. Successes include the MSC certification of the South African hake trawl and the tuna pole-and-line fishery, the latter achieved in August 2024.
• The RSPS is implementing a three-phase strategy to transform the market. Phase 1 focuses on elevating brand standards for private and proprietary labels by 2030; Phase 2 targets traceability and transparency; and Phase 3 aims to establish a formalised collective structure where participants co-invest in fisheries-level improvements.
• External pressures impact the South African market, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict and EU sanctions, which have led to an influx of unrated Russian species like pollock and sardine, complicating traceability and sustainability efforts.

APA

Oliver, A., Madell, K., Farber, T., Pillay, P., Maharaj, K., & Northam-Ras, S. (2025). WWF-SASSI RETAILER/SUPPLIER PARTICIPATION SCHEME REPORT 2024. WWF South Africa. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf-sassi-participants-report-2024.pdf

Chicago

Oliver, Arné, Kezia Madell, Tanya Farber, Pavitray Pillay, Kirtanya Maharaj, and Sue Northam-Ras. WWF-SASSI RETAILER/SUPPLIER PARTICIPATION SCHEME REPORT 2024. WWF South Africa, 2025. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf-sassi-participants-report-2024.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Oliver |first1=Arné |last2=Madell |first2=Kezia |last3=Farber |first3=Tanya |last4=Pillay |first4=Pavitray |last5=Maharaj |first5=Kirtanya |last6=Northam-Ras |first6=Sue |title=WWF-SASSI RETAILER/SUPPLIER PARTICIPATION SCHEME REPORT 2024 |publisher=WWF South Africa |date=2025 |url=https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf-sassi-participants-report-2024.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{oliver2025wwfsassi, author = {Oliver, Arné and Madell, Kezia and Farber, Tanya and Pillay, Pavitray and Maharaj, Kirtanya and Northam-Ras, Sue}, title = {{WWF-SASSI RETAILER/SUPPLIER PARTICIPATION SCHEME REPORT 2024}}, institution = {WWF South Africa}, year = {2025}, url = {https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/wwf-sassi-participants-report-2024.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }