Participation in Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship (SeaBOS)
The SeaBOS (Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship) is a global initiative that was launched in 2016 together with the world's eight largest seafood companies (currently 6 companies), and scientists who research the ocean, fishing, and sustainability through cooperation and strategy and activities based on scientific evidence to ensure sustainable seafood products production and a healthy ocean environment. We are actively contributing to meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular, Goal 14 to “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.”
Maruha Nichiro participated in SeaBOS from its inception, and in September 2018, upon the organization's establishment, Shigeru Ito, our company's President & CEO (at the time), was named its first Chairman and served as Chairman until October 2020.
The Primary Challenges and Mission for SeaBOS
Six of the world's largest seafood companies are working to display leadership in order to achieve ocean sustainability
Vision: To accelerate transformation with regards to ocean management
How: In cooperation with governments and other sustainability bell-wethers, the industry actively engages in ocean management and bears global responsibility for the world's oceans
Mission: To lead the world towards achieving sustainable seafood production and a healthy ocean environment
Companies Participating in the SeaBOS
- Maruha Nichiro
- Dongwon Industries
- Cargill Aqua Nutrition
- Nissui
- Nutreco/Skretting
- Cermaq
Participation in the 9th Keystone Dialogue
In October 2024, the 9th Keystone Dialogue was held in Annecy, France. At this meeting, progress reports were presented on the two keystone projects launched in 2023, and it was agreed to continue the projects. Also to review the current time-bound targets for each task force and set new goals. It was decided that the Impact Report would be prepared in fiscal year 2025, and new chairperson and vice-chairperson were elected following the expiration of the current members.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Keystone Project
This is a project to develop testing protocols for antimicrobial resistance genes in aquaculture. Members involved in Thai aquaculture from SeaBOS participating companies and scientists aim to improve antibiotic management, with the potential for future involvement in other countries and species.
West Coast Africa Keystone Project
This is an important project aimed at improving traceability and transparency in fisheries supply chains to address the risks of IUU fishing and modern slavery in West African countries (Morocco, Mauritania, Senegal), which are among the operational regions of SeaBOS member companies. The project will be promoted in collaboration with scientists and organizations active in the region, with the goal of risk mitigation.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Keystone Projects - SeaBOS
West Coast Africa Keystone Project - SeaBOS
The main agreed contents are as follows (The Annecy Dialogue, Lake Annecy France)
The 6th Stockholm Working Meeting
Meeting was held in Stockholm, Sweden from April 1-3, 2025. We actively discussed the progress and challenges of Keystone Projects and Task Force, in preparation for the 10th SeaBOS meeting to be held in October, 2025.
Joint Coastal Cleanup 2024
As part of the Task Force V “Reducing plastic pollution,” a joint beach cleanup activity was held on July 27, 2024 (Saturday) at Makuhari-no-hama in Kaihin-Makuhari Park (Mihama-ku, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture) as in the previous year. On the day of the event, a total of 167 participants, including company presidents, employees, and their families, took part and collected a total of 104.6 kg of waste, including combustible waste, cans, plastic bottles, and glass bottles. We will continue to collaborate and address environmental issues such as marine plastic pollution.
SeaBOS Progress Report Released
In June 2022, SeaBOS released its first report.
Following that, in October 2023, we presented our initial report demonstrating joint actions for Ocean Stewardship, reaffirming our members' commitment to promoting transparency and sustainable practices in the fisheries sector. This report details the actions taken by companies from 2022 to 2023 and the progress made toward the challenges defined by SeaBOS's goals and commitments.
