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 9 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
Nine 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
- Nissui
- Thai Union Group
- Dongwon Industires
- Nutreco/Skretting
- Cargill Aqua Nutrition
- Cermaq
- Kyokuyo
- Charoen Pokphand Foods
Participation in the 7th Keystone Dialogue
In October 2022, the annual CEO meeting (Keystone Dialogue), held in person for the first time in three years, took place in the Netherlands. Discussions centered around several important scientific background overviews and the results of strategic reviews, including collaborations and communications.
As part of the strategic reassessment, there was a reevaluation of the task force structure, leading to the establishment of a new task force focused on Biodiversity and Ecosystems. Activities related to endangered species, which were previously addressed by Task Force I, were integrated into this new task force. Additionally, roles related to "Communication," "Government Collaboration," and “Transparency and Governance" were transferred to the collective efforts of all members.
| SeaBOS activities | Relevant task forces | Major agreements made in 2021 | Major agreements made in 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Activities to eliminate IUU Fishing, forced or compulsory labor and child labor | Task Force I | The Company has confirmed that its operations are free from involvement in IUU fishing, forced or compulsory labor and child labor in their own operations. Continue to address these problems in our procurement supply chains, with reporting on progress in 2022 and 2025. | We will continue to check the supply chain as well for the 2025 progress report |
| Activities to address endangered species | Task Force I | Under the agreement on strategies to reduce impacts on endangered species, it was decided to move forward with efforts to prevent bycatch of endangered species from sharks, rays, and seabirds, and to expand the target fish species in the future. | Progress report on efforts to prevent bycatch of endangered species of sharks, rays, and seabirds will be provided in October 2023 |
| Activities to reduce the use of antibiotics | Task Force Ⅲ | Agree on a strategy for reducing the use of antibiotics. By October 2022, formulate a Code of Conduct (CoC) for the management of antimicrobial use. By October 2023, formulate a roadmap for the review of the use of the above critically important antimicrobials. | |
| Activities related to the problem of ocean plastics | Task Force Ⅴ | Continue to deepen recognition and understanding of the challenges and expand its clean-up activities on coastal and rivers. | Continue to promote coastal cleanup activities at SeaBOS member companies |
| Activities to combat climate change | Task Force Ⅵ | Set CO2 emission reduction targets and reporting methods for each company. Set CO2 emission reduction targets for each company by May 2022. | Progress report on CO2 emission reductions in October 2023 |
The 5th Stockholm Working Meeting
The meeting was held in Stockholm, Sweden from May 8 to 11, 2023. The members actively discussed the progress and challenges of each task force in preparation for the 8th Keystone Dialogue scheduled for October. There were also discussions regarding new Keystone Projects to be undertaken.
SeaBOS 3 Japan Companies Joint Coastal Cleanup 2023
As part of the efforts of Task Force V, "Addressing the Issue of Marine Plastics," the three Japanese companies jointly organized a coastal cleanup activity for the first time on July 29, 2023. The cleanup took place at "Inage no Hama" within the Inage Seaside Park in Mihama Ward, Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture.
A total of 201 people, including the presidents of the three companies, employees, and their families, participated in the event, collecting combustible waste, cans, plastic bottles, and glass waste. We will continue to work together to address environmental issues such as marine plastic pollution.
Publication of the SeaBOS Progress Report
On June 29, 2022, the SeaBOS issued its first report at the United Nations Ocean Conference held in Portugal.
Five years after the formation of SeaBOS was released at the first United Nations Ocean Conference in 2017 as a unique collaboration between science and 10 of the world's largest seafood companies to lead the global transformation for sustainable seafood product production and healthy oceans, the SeaBOS Progress Report highlighted progress made, issues faced, and opportunities presented.
