Conservation Alliance conference driving discussion on critical seafood sustainability issues

The Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions will host its 2022 Annual Conference virtually on 14 to 17 November, and the agenda reflects the growth of the organization and the broad set of sustainability issues facing companies today.

The agenda for the event is intended to drive discussion of the most critical issues at the intersection of environmental sustainability and social responsibility in seafood including small-scale fisheries, social responsibility and human rights, fishery improvement projects, transparency and accountability, diversity, equity and inclusion, aquaculture, and policy.   

“The MSC team looks forward to the annual conference each year,” Marine Stewardship Council Regional Director Americas Erika Feller a supporting sponsor of the conference, said. “The sessions are a great opportunity to reconnect with and meet new colleagues working on our shared purpose, learn about new initiatives to advance sustainable, responsible seafood, and engage with experts in critical topics.”

The program is aimed at bringing together stakeholders across sectors and geographies. American Seafoods and Iberostar have provided support for scholarships for often underrepresented voices in the responsible seafood community to ensure inclusive discussions.

“I’ve been in and around the alliance since its inception, so I know the impact this organization has had on aligning and growing the sustainable seafood movement,” said American Seafoods Chief Sustainability Officer Tim Fitzgerald, who is also Alliance Advisory Council Member, said. “American Seafoods is proud to support these important conversations to advance global fisheries and aquaculture sustainability.”

Dr. Jessica Sparks will be the keynote speaker, and will discuss how voluntary solutions may hinder worker-driven efforts to eliminate egregious human rights violations. She will draw upon examples from within and outside of seafood production.

“At the Alliance, we don’t shy away from the hard conversations on topics where opinions and approaches differ,” Conservation Alliance Executive Director Mariah Boyle said. “Considering unintended consequences and reflecting on past approaches are essential to meeting our ambitious 2030 goals and our vision of a world with an abundance of seafood, where workers, communities, and our ocean thrive.”

Collaboration and support of the seafood industry in its sustainability is at the heart of the Alliance’s work.

“The Alliance facilitates collaboration between companies and organizations working globally to address similar challenges and reach the same goal, to increase seafood sustainability,”  Iberostar Group Responsible Seafood Strategy Director Adriana Sanchez said. “We must give everyone a seat at the table; listen, and understand the socio-economic realities affecting many of these fisheries and farms so that we can work through the tough issues together and create meaningful change in this industry.”