Initiative releases statement urging governments to “take all possible” steps to phase out subsidies that remain a barrier to sustainable industry transformation
In a joint statement released in May 2022, ten of the largest seafood companies in the world called upon governments to conclude an agreement on phasing out harmful subsidies.
The statement, signed by Therese Log Bergjord, Chair of SeaBOS, on behalf of all the member companies, made it clear that continued use of harmful subsidies would obstruct further efforts to make the seafood industry more sustainable.
“The science is clear: harmful subsidies represent a barrier towards a healthy ocean, a thriving seafood sector, and coastal livelihoods,” the statement said.
Gearing up to the UN Ocean conference in June 2022, the SeaBOS member companies encourage governments to limit any exceptions to the rules and include safeguards and additional scrutiny to ensure subsidies allowed do not contribute to IUU fishing or overfishing.
“Our vision is one of ocean stewardship, and we encourage governments to join us in recognizing the urgency of action towards achieving this vision.”
