New partnership to promote sustainable fisheries in East Asia

The non-profit organizations Ocean Outcomes and Seafood Legacy Inc. have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at improving the sustainability of fisheries and seafood supply chains in East Asia.

In this way, both organizations will leverage their networks in Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea to advance sustainability initiatives in the fisheries sector and strengthen strategies such as human rights due diligence (HRDD), electronic monitoring (EM), traceability, and responsible sourcing.

For example, Ocean Outcomes leads Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) that are based on electronic monitoring, social responsibility initiatives, and data-driven approaches at the operational and production levels.

In the case of Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, social responsibility will be prioritized, and the partners will share initiatives to improve workers’ conditions. Finally, Seafood Legacy will connect companies, NGOs, industry stakeholders, and suppliers within the Japanese market.

"This collaboration, along with other regional partners, provides a solid foundation on which to scale our collective efforts towards more sustainable, transparent and responsible East Asian seafood supply chains," expressed Executive Director at Ocean Outcomes, Kelly Harrell.

Also, President & CEO of Seafood Legacy Inc, Wakao Hanaoka, said: "Through this MOU, we aim to connect Japan, as a key market country, with production landscapes across Taiwan, South Korea, and beyond that supply seafood to Japan, and to work together toward a sustainable and equitable seafood system."