South Melbourne Market’s The Fish Shoppe owner the face of Sustainable September

Almost a quarter of the world’s fish are suffering from factors including overfishing. But this South Melbourne Market fishmonger, Australia’s first with a sustainable fish harvesting accreditation, says you can still enjoy seafood — it’s all about choosing the right ones.

The Fish Shoppe owner Josh Pearce is passionate about protecting the oceans and fish populations. Picture: Josie Hayden

Marine ecosystems are under increasing pressure from pollution, climate change and overfishing — but that doesn’t mean we have to stop eating seafood.

Josh Pearce, owner of The Fish Shoppe at South Melbourne Market, says it’s all about choosing the right fish to eat.

The first fishmonger in Australia to be awarded Marine Stewardship Council Chain of Custody accreditation, Pearce is passionate about protecting the oceans and fish populations.

“I have a passion for supporting local fisherman that focus on their quality of catch, environmental impact and overall best operating practices that ensure the sustainability of the fish stocks for the future,” he said.

The Marine Stewardship Council certifies fisheries that harvest only from fish populations that are healthy and productive, meaning seafood with the council’s blue tick has been caught or harvested sustainably.

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As part of this year’s Sustainable September festival at the South Melbourne Market, Pearce will share some of his favourite seafood recipes and give you the run-down on what species you should be eating to help reduce your impact on the environment.

World Wide Fund for Nature-Australia data reveals 24 per cent of fish species are over-exploited, depleted or recovering from depletion and 52 per cent of the world’s fisheries are now unable to produce greater harvests.

But Pearce said choosing the right species to eat meant people would be able to enjoy getting their fix of seafood into the future.

“We pride ourselves on knowing where your fish comes from, how it is caught and making sure the product quality is exceptional,” he said.

Sustainable seafood available at The Fish Shoppe includes Albacore tuna, swordfish, toothfish and pipis.

Now in its third year, the month-long Sustainable September program includes workshops, activities, cooking demonstrations and tours to inspire the whole family to shop and live more sustainably.

For a list of programs, visit the South Melbourne Market’s website.