REWE seeks to project an image of sustainability - at least in its advertising. However, aspiration and reality diverge; our case in point: swordfish steak.
“REWE – dein Markt für mehr Nachhaltigkeit. Gemeinsam können wir viel erreichen. Das Klima schützen, Müll vermeiden, die Artenvielfalt erhalten und für mehr Tierwohl sorgen. Wir können viel bewegen. Wenn wir es gemeinsam in Angriff nehmen.” Following this advertising slogan by REWE, one is left astonished to currently find swordfish on offer at the fish counters of several REWE retailers in NRW.
The steaks are apparently popular among summer barbecue enthusiasts for social evenings - and when sales opportunities arise, the seriousness of the retail outlets regarding their own public advertising claims diminishes.
Brief background context:
- Ecosystem:
Industrial fishing is depleting marine life. Globally, 30% of all fish stocks are overfished. Over the last 50 years, 70% of all sharks have disappeared due to fishing activity. Fishing significantly alters the marine ecosystem, which also manifests in reduced resilience against factors such as climate change.
- Waste:
Ghost nets and longlines account for a significant proportion of the plastic waste in our oceans.
- Biodiversity:
In the Spanish longline fishery holding a swordfish license, the blue shark (Prionace glauca) appears with a bycatch rate of 70%. The MSC-certified Canadian longline fishery targeting swordfish (Xiphias gladius) has a bycatch rate of 58%, consisting of 50% blue shark (Prionace glauca), 7% tuna, and 1% sea turtles. From 2011 to 2015, approximately 31.5 tonnes of sea turtles were caught annually, including 25.5 tonnes of leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) and 6 tonnes of loggerhead sea turtles (Caretta caretta). This equates to approximately 1,200 animals. In 2013 alone, the figure reached 73 tonnes of turtles. Swordfish fishing using longlines (whether uncertified or certified) severely impacts biodiversity in our oceans.
- Animal Welfare:
Longlines capture not only turtles, but also seabirds, sharks, and dolphins. They all share the fate of being severely injured or killed by the hooks. Indiscriminately. Although finning has been prohibited in the EU since 2013, sharks and other fish continue to suffer agonising deaths. Evisceration on industrial vessels is frequently carried out while the animals are still alive. This industrial swordfish hunt has nothing to do with animal welfare.
Furthermore (regarding the offer in our image): labelling the swordfish without its scientific name, and without specifying the fishing area and fishing gear, is unlawful.
REWE must take corrective action here - this practice is entirely inconsistent with the corporate standards they so proudly advertise.
