WWF Downgrades Swedish Farmed Rainbow Trout Due to Environmental Concerns

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has updated its 2025 fish sustainability guide, downgrading Swedish farmed rainbow trout from a green to a yellow light rating. This change reflects concerns about nutrient leakage and ecosystem risks linked to the open-net farming methods used in Sweden. Rainbow trout makes up approximately 85% of Sweden's fish production, but WWF’s heightened assessment standards have led to more cautious consumer advice.

Inger Melander, WWF's marine and fishing expert, explained that open-water trout farming can result in nutrient runoff and disease transmission, negatively impacting local marine environments. The updated guide urges consumers to limit intake of Swedish farmed rainbow trout due to these sustainability challenges.

Conversely, the cod fishery received improved marks: cod caught by longline off Iceland’s coast earned a green light for the first time in several years. However, cod from the Barents Sea and Norwegian Sea, when caught using longlines, nets, or traps, was downgraded to red for unsustainable practices.

WWF's fishing guide categorizes fish species and fishing methods under green (recommended), yellow (consume sparingly), and red (avoid) lights, aiming to address both stock health and ecological impact. Melander emphasized that sustainable fish stocks do not necessarily equate to sustainable fishing methods, underscoring the complexity of marine conservation.

The 2025 assessment highlights ongoing global fishing challenges and the critical role of ecological considerations alongside fishery yields and profitability in responsible seafood consumption.