Does any know who watches the fish watchers?

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know what organization oversee the labeling of "Wild Caught vs Atlantic vs Farm Raised vs Pacific, etc., on the various cuts of overpriced fish being sold at the Whole Paycheck and elsewhere? I mean, I know FTC does it on a macro level. But are there local agencies handling local oversight? Is there some cash strapped Maine fisherman in charge of making sure the fish is caught in "the wild". Because that would be bullshit. Does anyone know?

This is happening in the UK Fisheries:
"The body which certifies that fish have been caught sustainably has been accused of "duping" consumers by giving its eco-label to fisheries where stocks are tumbling."
more inside

I don't see why it couldn't happen here in US.

[Anonymous]

Good point. Worth looking into.

[Anonymous]

The Food and Drug Administration inspects for freshness. But the Bush Administration cut the number of inspectors to the bone. The Department of Agriculture inspects for labelling and the states also have labelling laws. I don't think the FTC is involved in this.

[Anonymous]

I don't know, but my guess is that NMFS (NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service) is involved for ocean & great lakes fish. Good place to direct your query might be the office of sustainable fisheries

Quick google search makes me think it might be through the National Seafood Inspection Program, though that's just a guess. But here's a webpage if you feel like looking around:
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/sfweb/nsil/index.htm