Seafood Expo North America 2025

SFP Global Policy Director Brad Spear moderated a panel on the benefits and challenges of implementing electronic monitoring (EM) on fishing vessels to improve transparency, traceability, and data-sharing. In introducing the panelists, Spear noted that, because of gaps in knowledge and experience, “the true potential of EM is not being realized.” The panelists agreed that EM can have important benefits for all levels of the supply chain, but that there are still challenges related to cost and implementation that need to be tackled through collaboration and pilot projects.

In a wide-ranging and animated conversation, moderated by SFP Biodiversity and Nature Director Kathryn Novak, SFP Founder and Chief Executive Officer Jim Cannon and Aquaculture Stewardship Council Chief Executive Officer Chris Ninnes discussed the future of aquaculture and the collaborative work that SFP and ASC are doing on building a model for landscape-level improvements in aquaculture in Andhra Pradesh, India. They focused on the importance of collaboration, not just with other NGOs, but also with local institutions, governments, and organizations.

SFP’s Protecting Ocean Wildlife team hosted their 4th annual Showcase highlighting practices and technologies that can reduce bycatch of non-target species in wild-capture fisheries. The event featured representatives of projects that have already been funded through our Bycatch Solutions Hub, and others that are currently posted and seeking funding.

In a panel co-hosted by SFP with the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), panelists discussed the invaluable contribution of gear libraries in the US and Canada to protecting both threatened marine wildlife and fishers’ livelihoods. The participants all stressed the vital importance of getting the gear into the hands of fishermen, and the role of gear libraries in making this happen.

In an event cohosted by SFP with the Southern Seabird Trust, participants looked at the organizations that are helping tuna companies reduce the bycatch of endangered albatrosses, using proven strategies and technologies that work.