Consumers Union is criticizing a decision by the National Organic Standards Board (NOSB), an elected body that guides USDA's policy decisions regarding the National Organic Program (NOP), on the topic of certified organic aquaculture, which has been the subject of debate for years.

The NOSB recently sent recommendations to USDA for fish that can carry the USDA organic seal. Consumers Union and other watchdog groups fear that labeling fish as organic will undermine the organic program, because the new rule would allow fish to be labeled "organic" even if they're raised under conditions that don't meet fundamental USDA organic principles.

The new rule would allow:

• Fish to be fed non-organic feed. Currently, certified organic livestock have to be fed 100% organic feed.

• Farmed fish to be fed fishmeal made from wild fish, which can carry mercury and other toxins.

• Fish to be raised in open net pens. These cages lead to pollution from concentrated waste and can spread disease and parasites to wild fish populations.

Consumers Union conducted a poll that showed 93% of Americans think fish labeled as "organic" should be fed 100% organic feed. Nine in 10 respondents said that "organic" fish shouldn't be allowed to pollute the environment.

To date, the NOP doesn't include rules for organic aquaculture because of disagreement within the organic industry. The Organic Trade Association says, "the fundamental point is that any fish operation is a different kind of operation from organic production, not simply a different degree of operation. This different kind of operation requires a different kind of certification and labeling."

Source: Consumers Union

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