• July 8, 2010

Whole Foods Market says it will be the only major retailer offering shoppers fresh, harpoon-caught swordfish from Nova Scotia this summer, certified by the Marine Stewardship Council.

Part of its initiative to educate fish-lovers about sustainability, the Austin, Tex.-based retailer says the fleet used to harvest swordfish this way is smaller than most, with about 100 mainly independent and family-owned boats.

Trips are short, often wrapping up in 72 hours, which means the fish can travel from dock to stores in fewer than 48 hours. The season is limited to three, five-day intervals.