• Sustainability •

• Sustainability •

At Sanford Fishmonger, we care deeply about the health and wellbeing of our ocean and the fish that call it home. We are committed to doing our part to make sure that these precious resources are protected. This means that all our natural seafood is sustainably harvested in New Zealand’s pristine waters to ensure we maintain the health and beauty of our marine environment for future generations to enjoy.


Here are some of the ways we’re working to protect and preserve our ocean and the species within it.


We operate a Zero Fish Waste policy and look for the potential in developing by-products and underused resources like marine trimmings and seaweeds from our mussel farms.

The Māui dolphin or popoto is the world’s rarest and smallest marine dolphin. They are only found off the west coast of New Zealand’s North Island in relatively shallow waters. Together with fishing company Moana New Zealand, we want to see a future where the Māui dolphin population rebounds and expands. We are committed to the goal of removing the fishing-related threats across the entire Māui dolphin range by moving to fishing methods that are dolphin-safe.

First established in 1986, the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS) is regarded as world-class in supporting sustainable harvesting. The purpose of the QMS is to ensure the sustainable use of fishery resources within New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), through controlling the harvest of each species in nominated geographical areas and seasons.
This allows stocks to recover and replenish so that they can be enjoyed not just now but in the future.

All parts of the fish we catch are precious and we aim to minimise waste. Heads and frames of fish are sold to customers or donated to community food banks. Anything left over is processed for fish meal and oil.

stewart island with seagulls and dolphins

New Zealand’s Pristine Waters

At Sanford Fishmonger, we take great pride in our history and connection to the land and sea. Our ancestors have been harvesting kai moana (seafood) from the waters surrounding New Zealand for generations, and we continue that legacy today. We believe in treating our kai moana with the utmost respect and care, ensuring that it is harvested sustainably and responsibly to protect the health of our oceans and marine ecosystems so that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from it.

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