The Science-Based Targets Network (SBTN) launched the first-ever ocean science-based targets, starting with seafood, at the Seafood Expo North America. This completes SBTN’s initial suite of science-based targets for nature–providing companies with a clear framework for environmental action across freshwater, land, and now ocean.
The targets provide a standardized, independently validated framework that aligns with voluntary and regulatory reporting requirements. They help companies address key drivers of ocean degradation including habitat and biodiversity loss and overexploitation of fish stocks; strengthening both marine ecosystems and long-term business viability.
- The Avoid and Reduce Overexploitation 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.
- The Protect Marine Habitats target covers wild fisheries and aquaculture sites, helping companies avoid and reduce impacts on structural habitats in marine and transitional environments.
- The Reduce Risks to ETP Species target addresses impacts to endangered, threatened, and protected (ETP) marine wildlife from wild capture fishing and aquaculture.
Developed under the leadership of World Wildlife Fund and Conservation International, with support from a Steering Committee including the Marine Stewardship Council, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership, FishWise, UNEP FI, The Nature Conservancy, and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, these targets can increase the pace and scale of corporate action.
The ocean is the planet’s largest carbon sink and a vital buffer against climate change, producing most of the world’s oxygen and absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide. Yet, ocean ecosystems are under immense pressure. Overfishing and habitat destruction from seafood production are among the leading causes of ocean degradation. Without urgent action, the stability of marine ecosystems and global seafood supply chains is at risk and further weakening the ocean’s ability to mitigate climate change.
“With the first ocean science-based targets for seafood companies now have a globally recognized framework to scale action across land, freshwater and ocean,” said Erin Billman, Executive Director Science-Based Targets Network. “These targets help companies move beyond incremental change, strengthening marine ecosystems, supply-chain resilience and long term viability.”
Companies interested in learning more about setting ocean targets can begin using the methods–reading the executive summary and detailed technical guidance, or access tools prepared by the SBTN Ocean Hub to support your journey; join the launch webinar on March 25 at 10AM ET; register interest to be among the first movers setting seafood science-based targets.
