Five Organizations Embark on Pilot to Test New Science-Based Targets for the Seafood Sector

Danish Pelagic Producers Organization, Musholm, Orkla Foods Sweden, Seatopia and Waitrose have joined a pilot to set the first ocean science-based targets for the seafood sector, using Science-Based Target Network‘s recently released guidance. Their work will be independently validated through the Accountability Accelerator, SBTN’s validation host.

The Ocean methods define three types of science-based targets that companies can set in the seafood sector:

1. Avoid and Reduce Overexploitation. This target covers wild fisheries, helping companies avoid reliance on commodities derived from overexploited stocks and engage in seascapes and jurisdictions to improve stock health and reduce overfishing.
2. Protect Marine Habitats. This target covers wild fisheries and aquaculture sites, helping companies avoid and reduce impacts on structural habitats in marine and transitional environments.
3. Reduce Risks to Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Species. This target addresses impacts to ETP marine wildlife from wild capture fishing and aquaculture.

The Ocean Methods were developed by the SBTN Ocean Hub, which is co-led by World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International, and supported by a steering committee including: Marine Stewardship Council, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership FishWise, United Nations Environment Program Finance Initiative, The Nature Conservancy, and Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

The Step 3 methods are built on the existing guidance for Step 1: Assess and Step 2: Prioritize, as well as external standards, certifications, corporate ambitions, and other SBTN resources.

There are plans to expand the targets to cover pressures in the ocean realm from other key industries such as maritime transport, coastal and marine tourism, marine offshore renewables, and coastal development.

“The target-setting process is already delivering real value, giving us sharper insights and helping align our business with what the ocean needs. We are excited to continue this journey and to be one of the first companies with science-based targets for seafood,” said Teis Volstrup, Head of Public Affairs & Communications, Musholm A/S.