What it is
The Southern African Sustainable Seafood Initiative (SASSI) by WWF South Africa provides sustainability ratings for seafood species available in South African markets. Using a traffic-light system (green/orange/red), the app lets consumers scan fish at markets, restaurants, and retailers to check sustainability status. The program covers over 200 species and accounts for the unique ecological context of Southern African marine ecosystems, including the Benguela Current and Agulhas systems.
Why we picked this
South Africa sits at the confluence of two major ocean systems and has one of the most diverse marine ecosystems in the world. SASSI is the only sustainability guide tailored to this specific context. Their red-listed species (including many popular local fish) have shifted consumer behavior and influenced retailer sourcing decisions. For anyone eating seafood in Southern Africa, this is essential.
Key takeaways
- South Africa's marine environment hosts over 12,000 species, many found nowhere else on Earth, making regionally specific sustainability guidance critical.
- SASSI has rated over 200 species and production methods, with regular updates reflecting changing stock assessments.
- The SMS line (079 499 8795) lets consumers check species status without a smartphone, extending reach to markets with lower app adoption.