Seafood Sustainability at Sam's Club

Sam's Club is a subsidiary of Walmart.

How does Sam's Club score on seafood sustainability?

Overall Sustainability

55%

Score Explanation

Sam's Club ranks among the mediocre stores in the industry—these retailers have engaged somewhat on seafood sustainability, but have a lot of work to do. Th retailer's progress on sustainable canned tuna has stalled and it is one of several companies mentioned in reports concerning slavery in its supply chain. The company does not provide sufficient information to customers to allow them to make sustainable choices.

Policy Explanation

Has separate seafood policies covering fresh and frozen seafood, but lacks a comprehensive sustainable canned tuna policy. Its policies and implementation are lacking when compared to its peers.

Transparency Explanation

Does not provide customers sufficient information in-store or online about sustainable seafood.

Initiatives Explanation

Supports some seafood sustainability or conservation initiatives. Refuses to advocate for the protection of the Bering Sea Canyons. Walmart must take action to address human rights abuses in the seafood industry.

Red List Explanation

Sells nine of the 22 Red List species: Alaska pollock, Atlantic cod, Atlantic salmon, Atlantic sea scallop, bigeye tuna, ocean quahog, South Atlantic albacore tuna, tropical shrimp, and yellowfin tuna.

Policy

64%

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Transparency

34%

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Initiatives

54%

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Red List

67%

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Source: 2015 Carting Away The Oceans Report

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Frequently Asked Questions

on seafood sustainability at Sam's Club

Q: Should I buy canned tuna at Sam's Club?
A: No, not unless you can find sustainable third party products like Ocean Naturals or Wild Planet on store shelves. Otherwise, avoid the canned tuna section entirely.
Q: Has Sam's Club made sustainability a priority?
A: Sam's Club's parent company Walmart is the largest retailer in the world, and unfortunately is delaying on important human rights and sustainability intitiatives as it continues to rake in profits at the expense of human beings and our oceans.
Q: What seafood should I never buy at Sam's Club?
A: Sam's Club's parent company, Walmart sells nine Red List species. Because it sells so much seafood nationwide, what you buy there matters. Avoid all Red List species—especially bigeye and yellowfin tuna.
Q: Is there anything I can do to encourage more sustainable practices at Sam's Club?
A: Yes—you can add your name to the petition asking Sam's Club to use more sustainable practices.

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UPDATED: Your Seafood may be Caught by Slaves

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