The sustainable seafood movement had its origins in the 1990s with a growing awareness of the impacts of fishing on stocks, livelihoods and ocean health. While helping drive improvements, many concerns remain unresolved, while new challenges (e.g., climate) and opportunities (e.g., technology) emerge alongside an evolving stakeholder environment and narrative around restorative ambitions. From consumer seafood guides to industry certification and improvement programs the predominantly demand-driven theory of change has proven insufficient to deliver the needed on-the-water improvement at scale.
With the real risk of a ‘race-to-the-bottom’, particularly in relation to large volumes of imported farmed and wild-caught seafood, viable national pathways to more responsible production and consumption of seafood are needed. Increased investment in responsible aquaculture, regenerative approaches to wild-caught fishery impacts, and transparency in supply chains, including social and equity issues are areas in need of ongoing attention and action. Moreover, companies looking to improve their ESG performance may need to look beyond certification such as setting science-based targets and recalibrating their influence in consumer markets.
This presentation will explore the challenges and opportunities to a sustainable seafood future in Australia that through partnerships and collaboration can help maintain human well-being and safeguard ocean health and marine ecosystems