Task Force V

Reducing ocean plastics

The Task Force will ensure that SeaBOS members reduce ocean plastics pollution through the development and implementation of a strategy based on scientific knowledge, existing best practices, and the frontiers of innovation. That work will include members mapping the sources, presence, and types of plastic in their seafood production.

Task force leaders

Hiroyuki Sato

Manager Sustainability Group, Maruha Nichiro

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Toshiya Yabuki

Deputy General Manager Sustainability Department, Nissui

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Kunio Akiyama

CSR Manager, Kyokuyo

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OUR AIMS

Reduce the use of plastics in seafood operations, and encourage global efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

SeaBOS members are committed to reduce ocean plastics pollution through the development and implementation of a strategy based on scientific knowledge, existing best practices, and the frontiers of innovation. The work of this Task Force includes members systematically working to minimise their plastic footprints and establish a comprehensive plastics strategy for further action.

Sustainable Development Goal 14: conserve and sustainable use use of the oceans, seas and marine resources

By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution

Our Accomplishments

Key implementation documents

“City to Sea” Framework of Plastic Pollution (png)

SeaBOS participates in Ocean Cleanup (pdf)

Company cases:

CP FOODS: OCEAN TRASHFORMATION PROJECT

CP Foods (CPF) launched the “Ocean Trashformation project” in 2021 to reduce plastic waste in the ocean by collecting plastic waste from fishing activities and recycling them into valuable products. This is to promote the recycling of plastics and the use of less damaging products, including generating additional income for people in the community. The company targets that 100% of plastic packaging for food products to be recyclable, reusable or compostable by 2030 and is engaged in R&D for sustainable packaging design and management.

NUTRECO AND MOWI PILOT: COMPOSTABLE FEED BAGS

Nutreco’s feed company Skretting together with Mowi has finalized a pilot project for compostable feed bags. The bag material is made from a degradable biopolymer which breaks down in as little as four months under ideal composting conditions. Skretting is now scaling up the project to review additional parameters to evaluate longevity in storage, temperature sensitivity and safety. Sustainable packaging is one of Mowi’s strategic programs and Nutreco has set a 2025 target of 100% recycled, reusable or compostable plastic.

KYOKUYO: RIVER CLEAN-UP ACTIVITIES

Since 2017, Kyokuyo has been supporting the Japan Canoe Federation as an official partner with a view to engage in environmental conservation activities across the country. Sports teams as well as the spectators are invited to join in clean river activities along the competition course. Since 2017, a total of 1,585 people have participated.

Commitments progress report

The below table illustrates the member companies' joint steps towards meeting SeaBOS commitments and does not represent individual company results across all topics. Please consult each company's web page and annual reports for details on each company's results.

COMMITMENT

Reduce the use of plastics in seafood operations, and encourage global efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

Strategy for addressing plastic pollution	10/10
Time-bound goals on plastics	10/10

Scientific briefs

Background brief on Ocean Plastic Pollution»

Background brief on Ocean Plastics»

CEO Sponsors

Masaru Ikemi

Maruha Nichiro Corporation

Lead companies

Lead scientific institutions

ALL TASK FORCES

TASK FORCE I

IUU fishing and modern slavery

Contributing to the elimination of IUU fishing and forced labour in seafood production, and mitigating the impacts on endangered species.

Task Force II

Biodiversity and Ecosystems

Healthy ocean ecosystems and rich biodiversity are vital components of ocean stewardship. This Task Force focuses on developing practices that minimize impacts of seafood production on endangered species, and to develop solutions that enhance marine ecosystems.

Task Force III

Anti-microbial resistance

To work with governments towards sustainable seafood production, as well as mechanisms to reduce antibiotics in aquaculture.

Task Force IV

Climate Resilience

To identify global solutions to the impacts of climate change on sustainable seafood production, as well as the ability of seafood production for humanity, along with a healthy ocean, to play a role in the mitigation of, and adaptation to, climate change impacts.

Task Force V