SeaBOS intensifies efforts towards sustainable seafood

Since its inception in 2016, SeaBOS has created a platform to facilitate change in the worldwide seafood industry. The exceptional partnership between corporations and top researchers has led to significant actions and tangible outcomes. "I am proud of our accomplishments to date, but I am also keen to make further progress," states CEO Geir Molvik. Addressing antimicrobial resistance Antimicrobial resistance poses a worldwide health risk, and it's crucial for the seafood industry to contribute to preserving the future effectiveness of antibiotics. One of SeaBOS' primary commitments is to work towards minimizing the use of antibiotics in aquaculture. SeaBOS has conducted a study on antibiotic usage within its member companies' operations. The study highlighted the intricacies of antibiotic usage in aquaculture, which varies due to international, national, and regional legislative requirements, as well as species and location differences. There are also numerous existing 'codes of conduct' and 'farming standards'. To create strategies to decrease and eventually eliminate the use of 'High priority critically important antimicrobials for human health' and 'Critically important antimicrobials for human health' as classified by the World Health Organisation in aquaculture operations, SeaBOS has agreed to formulate a code of conduct on antibiotics. This code will leverage multiple existing frameworks and promote increased cooperation among members and with global agencies, veterinary groups, pharmaceutical companies, and academic experts in the field to devise solutions for businesses to achieve the objectives. Climate action SeaBOS acknowledges the impact of seafood on sustainable food production and climate action. The collective efforts of the members to address greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have led to an estimated reduction of 131,117 tonnes of CO2-e from their operations, compared to 2018 levels (equivalent to taking 28,504 cars off the roads). SeaBOS has agreed that all member companies will set explicit GHG emissions reduction targets by May 2022, in line with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change's goal to limit global warming to well below 2, and preferably to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Cermaq has pledged to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent (in absolute terms) by 2030. This commitment is based on the framework of the Science Based Target Initiative. Enhancing regulations Many of SeaBOS' key commitments are related to the enhancement of regulations. SeaBOS will continue to actively collaborate with agencies that promote and accelerate the sustainability of seafood. SeaBOS will leverage its unique partnership and co-production model between science and industry in its work with governments. The vital role of sustainable seafood in human health and nutrition, and the potential to mitigate climate change impacts through innovative approaches in the seafood sector are both crucial aspects of SeaBOS' contributions to the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit and the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26). SeaBOS has also agreed on initiatives to halt IUU fisheries and modern slavery and to protect endangered species. About SeaBOS SeaBOS was established in 2016 as a unique partnership between CEOs from ten of the world's largest seafood companies and leading scientists from the Stockholm Resilience Centre, University of Lancaster, and Stanford Center for Ocean Solutions. Their goal is to spearhead a global shift towards sustainable seafood production and a healthy ocean by implementing a series of key commitments. They have developed science-based solutions, including measurable and time-bound goals to meet these commitments. Each year, the group convenes a 'Keystone Dialogue' to assess progress, set new directions, and establish time-bound goals.