A school of mackerel.
Photo: Adobe Stock.
Global seafood company Nissui Corporation has become the latest member of the North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group (NAPA), joining the coalition’s campaign for improved management of North East Atlantic pelagic fisheries.
NAPA, a market-led coalition of seafood businesses, said Nissui’s membership shows that the management of North East Atlantic stocks is now a global concern, rather than only a regional dispute.
The group is calling on North East Atlantic Coastal States to agree science-based catch-sharing arrangements for key pelagic species, including mackerel, blue whiting and Atlanto-Scandian herring, also known as Norwegian spring-spawning herring.
North East Atlantic mackerel and blue whiting fisheries lost Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification more than six years ago due to persistent overfishing and the absence of a sustainable sharing arrangement between Coastal States. NAPA said catches have continued to exceed scientific advice, while mackerel has now declined to unsafe levels, with the organisation repeatedly calling for urgent action to protect stocks.
Nissui’s decision to join NAPA also reflects Japan’s growing exposure to North East Atlantic fisheries, the association said, announcing its new member.
Following a sharp decline in Japan’s own blue mackerel stocks, linked to warming seas, Japanese seafood businesses have increasingly looked to the North East Atlantic to help fill supply gaps. Meanwhile, blue whiting's use as an ingredient for aquaculture feed also makes its management relevant to Japan’s imports of farmed Atlantic salmon, NAPA said.
Part of Nissui’s network is already involved in NAPA, with UK processor Flatfish having joined the coalition in 2020.
“The seafood supply chain has a vital role to play in tackling these international challenges and finding meaningful solutions, as demonstrated by Nissui’s commitment,” said Aoife Martin, NAPA Executive Chair.
“The Corporation’s strong and highly respected position in the global seafood market strengthens NAPA’s efforts to improve the health of these key fisheries and secure their place in global supply chains. Nissui’s membership also sends a clear signal that sustainable fisheries are not solely a regional concern, but a global imperative - and that the Japanese seafood industry is paying close attention.”
NAPA’s work focuses on applying market pressure in support of long-term, science-based fisheries management. The coalition includes retailers, suppliers, foodservice companies, fishmeal producers, feed companies and salmon farmers, with members in Asia, the United States, Australia, Africa, the EU and the UK.