Member CEOs and science leaders met at Schiphol Airport district to consider one key item – the Evolution of SeaBOS.
The aim was to identify a model to deliver on the original vision and commitments of SeaBOS, recognising the changed governance and commercial environment that seafood production has undergone in recent times, while still providing flexibility and opportunity for the science/industry collaboration that marks the unique value of SeaBOS.
The meeting reviewed why the original vision and commitments were so important; discussed how they could improve on the model to deliver both strategic and operational outcomes; and identified mechanisms to clarify what could become focal issues for the coming years.
Key outcomes included:
Identified WHY it was so important to continue:
- The Ocean challenges identified in 2016 remain.
- Ocean stewardship needs strategic and operational collaboration across the seafood sector and science to deal with those challenges.
- To generate insights and motivate actions to address crises before they happen.
- To provide a global voice and direction for sustainable seafood production and a healthy ocean.
Agreed on a new model structure outline that provides for:
- annual dialogue between strategic science and CEOs
- Global ‘voice’ from the strategic group, and agreed direction for operational projects in Theme areas
- Establishment of Theme areas where companies have a particular interest in delivering outcomes, guided by strategic science, and aligned with the vision, commitments, and goals of SeaBOS
- Opportunity for others to join Theme areas, such as operational science, external experts, civil society groups, National government representatives.
- Increased opportunity for engagement with potential new members, and greater attractiveness for those new members, with a flexible model of operation
- Accountability from Theme areas, where each will report back to the annual strategic meeting on goals, milestones, and progress, in a shared learning opportunity for the collective membership.
Implemented a process to finalise the new model and structure:
- Draft outline circulated in mid-November from a drafting team of MD, science leaders, and the Chair.
- End-December for member responses and then to refine the draft.
- End-January 2026 to finalise the new model and procedures, to be signed as accepted by members.
Contact Martin Exel at martin.exel@seabos.org for more details.
