Is orange roughy sustainable | Marine Stewardship Council

Orange roughy is a long living, deep sea dwelling fish that is vulnerable to overfishing. In 2016, the world’s first orange roughy fishery was certified as sustainable to the MSC Fisheries Standard in New Zealand. Another orange roughy fishery in Australia is currently undergoing assessment to the MSC Fisheries Standard.

What is orange roughy?

Orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus), also known as deep sea perch, is a bright reddish orange fish with a round and slender shape. This fish has a firm flesh with a mild flavour. It is sold skinned and filleted, fresh or frozen.

How do I know if orange roughy is sustainable?

You can be sure seafood is certified sustainable when you see the blue fish tick. However, there are currently no orange roughy products with the blue fish tick available in Australia and New Zealand.

Why is there no sustainable orange roughy available to buy in Australia and New Zealand?

Consumer demand is important. You can use your voice to ask your supermarket, fish shop or restaurant to consider stocking orange roughy with the MSC’s blue fish tick.

Around 70 per cent of the total catch of New Zealand’s orange roughy stocks has achieved certification to the MSC Fisheries Standard and is now eligible to carry the MSC blue fish tick.

In partnership with Fisheries New Zealand, the fishing industry has invested heavily in rebuilding orange roughy stocks, including setting zero catch limits for over 10 years. They are now managed using a conservative harvest strategy supported by a comprehensive research and monitoring plan.