SeaBOS

What is it?

The SeaBOS initiative is a unique cross-sector collaboration involving nine of the world’s largest seafood companies and dozens of scientists across disciplines and universities. 

SeaBOS provides a basis for a global transformation towards sustainable seafood production, and improving ocean health, but also a unique scientific opportunity to directly shape this transformation, learn from the interactions, and monitor and critically reflect on what changes are happening.

SeaBOS is based on the following ten commitments that guide the work of its task forces:

1. Improving transparency;
2. Reducing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing;
3. Listening to science;
4. Eliminating modern slavery;
5. Reducing the use of antibiotics;
6. Reducing the use of plastics;
7. Reducing greenhouse gas (GHG)  emissions;
8. Growing aquaculture;
9. Developing and deploying new technology; and,
10. Supporting innovations.

SeaBOS has five task forces:

1. Reducing IUU fishing and eliminating modern slavery – SeaBOS aims to eradicate these detrimental practices and foster ethical operations, for our sake and that of future generations;
2. Advancing protection of endangered species – SeaBOS has developed an Endangered Species Strategy, under which SeaBOS members have agreed to conduct rigorous internal due diligence to identify and understand their exposure to risks related to endangered species. SeaBOS prioritizes engaging with science-based best practices and continuously innovates to mitigate these risks;
3. Reducing antibiotics use – SeaBOS is leveraging science and cooperative stewardship to enable transformative change in antibiotics use across global aquaculture operations to combat the inappropriate use of antibiotics in aquaculture that threatens both human health and marine ecosystems through its contribution to potential antimicrobial resistance;
4. Addressing climate change – SeaBOS aims to assist the seafood industry adapt to climate change and contribute to solutions. Its management approach focuses on:
   • Mitigation – reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with scientific targets, including setting and implementing goals, innovating its operations and supply chains, and reporting publicly on emissions.
   • Adaptation – developing resilience to manage climate-related risks in its operations, including collecting and assessing operational data, advancing the understanding of blue carbon ecosystem conservation and restoration, and leveraging financial instruments to support transformation.
5. Reducing plastic pollution – SeaBOS has developed the “City to Sea” Framework, to target areas where the seafood industry can significantly reduce plastic pollution. Its management approach leverages scientific insights and harnesses innovative solutions to cut down on plastic use.