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Big Blue Future New Zealand is a platform to build public support for sustainable fishing and promote ocean literacy.

Inspire the next generation of ocean heroes

Support the UN Ocean Decade aim of inspiring a generation of ocean leaders by 2030. 

Promote ocean literacy with our Te Kawa O Tangaroa resources - an ocean-centred learning programme focussed on solutions to overfishing and how we can keep our ocean teeming with life.

Te Kawa O Tangaroa - Ocean centred learning

Little blue label, big blue future

The little choices we make have a big ripple effect.

The Hoki we tuck into can help encourage ocean-friendly fishing. The shellfish we share with friends can help safeguard a species. The fish fingers we cook for our kids can help protect a whole ecosystem. The tuna we enjoy can support livelihoods and communities.

Make sure there's enough fish in the sea for the next generation. For a future full of fish, choose seafood with the blue fish tick.

Discover the story of New Zealand Hoki

New Zealand Hoki is a little known fish loved by millions around the world.

Find out how the Kaitiaki – guardians of the ocean ensure this iconic New Zealand fishery feeds people from 52 countries and helps smooth out wrinkles.

 

Get cooking with sustainable seafood

What you put on tonight’s menu can define what’s on tomorrow’s. When you see the blue fish tick, you’re choosing sustainable seafood that will preserve our ocean – so future generations can enjoy the same delicious meals we do.

Choose sustainable seafood with the blue fish tick

Find the blue fish tick on seafood at your local supermarket

Foodstuffs NZ, New World and Countdown

Ingredients

Method

  • 1 x 415g tinned MSC certified John West tuna- well drained (look for the MSC blue fish tick label)
  • 500g White & sweet potatoes, steamed, cooled, loosely mashed
  • 110g jar capers, well drained or 50g capers
  • 1 bunch of dill, leaves only, diced
  • 5 large spring onions, finely sliced
  • 50g Gherkins, drained, finely diced
  • ½ bunch of chives, finely diced
  • 50-100g breadcrumbs to add as you go
  • 3 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
  • White pepper, to taste
  • Salt, Murray River, to taste

To fry

  • 100g Extra Virgin Olive Oil 
  • 100g Butter

To Serve

  • Whole free-range egg mayonnaise

When shopping, look for the MSC blue fish tick on your seafood to know it's sustainable.

The MSC blue fish tick

 

  1. In a large bowl combine all ingredients except breadcrumbs.
  2. Add enough breadcrumbs to just combine, not so much to make the mixture dry and crumbly – alongside the egg they acting as a binder.
  3. Shape mixture into patties around 7cm in diameter, 4cm thick. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  4. Preheat oil and butter to medium high in a large heavy based fry pan. Have cooling rack and paper towel on hand to drain excess oil.
  5. Fry until golden and flip once in batches until cooked through. Drain well and serve whilst hot and crunchy on the outside.
  6. Serve with mayonnaise for dipping, green salad or serve patties in lettuce cups.

Serving instructions

This is a treat for the whole family, it’s quick, easy and uses MSC certified John West tuna. Make this delicious recipe for a summer afternoon snack for the family or whip it up for a summer BBQ party. 

World Ocean Day

Take the plunge and make a pledge TODAY to protect this vast, irreplaceable ecosystem that sustains us all!

World Ocean Day

When is Big Blue Future New Zealand?

Aotearoa New Zealand is a proud nation of seafood and ocean lovers. As Kiwis, we demand a sustainable future and we are willing to act on it.

Big Blue Future New Zealand is year-round. After all, our ocean needs protection more than ever!

Despite this, there are some key dates around the year to focus on a Big Blue Future, such as:

  • Sea Week, 5-13 March
  • World Penguin Day, 25 April
  • World Ocean Day, 8 June
  • Shark Awareness Day, 14 July
  • World Fisheries Day, 21 November
  • International Antarctic Day, 1 December

 

Partnering for a Big Blue Future

Together, the MSC and its partners are promoting ocean literacy in schools and to the public. Visit our partners to find out more:

Get involved

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Sustainable fishery examples

Sustainable fishery examples

We're part of a collective effort to restore ocean health. Read the inspirational sustainable fishery stories about passionate people fishing with the future in mind.

Sustainable fish recipes

Sustainable fish recipes

Chefs and seafood lovers from around the world share quick and tasty ways of cooking MSC certified seafood.