Understanding the changing landscape of fishing and farming practices in the sustainable seafood industry is crucial for businesses looking to develop or improve their seafood product offerings. In today's environmentally-conscious market, consumer demands and preferences are shifting towards sustainable and responsible seafood options, and staying informed on these changes can provide your business with a competitive advantage.
Sustainable seafood really became an interest of mine when I attended culinary school at the Culinary Institute of America in Napa, CA. While I was there, we learned how to “process” halibut, tuna, salmon, crabs, lobster, squid, shrimp, oysters, and more. Handling the seafood really gave me respect for how it was harvested, I was “connected” to it one way or another. What was even better was the information we gained on sustainable aquaculture as well as how to really maximize the benefits of the seafood that was harvested by using the whole animal in the forms of stocks and things like crispy salmon skin etc.
I hope that I can share some of this knowledge and inspiration to my readers with this blog post. In this article, we will apply recent advancements in seafood sustainability, changes to fishing and seafood farming practices since 2020 and technological advancements to explore key considerations for business decision making. Ultimately helping you guide product development, sourcing strategies, and marketing efforts for sustainable seafood products that result in measurable business successes.
Global Market for Seafood:
The global market for seafood is vast and diverse, encompassing various types of fish, crustaceans, and mollusks, and serving both the restaurant and consumer packaged goods (CPG) sectors. According to market research, the global seafood market size was valued at $159.61 billion in 2020 and is projected to reach $214.27 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 3.4% from 2021 to 2028.
The restaurant sector remains a significant segment of the seafood market, with consumers indulging in seafood dishes at dining establishments ranging from high end to fast-food. Additionally, the CPG sector has also witnessed a growing demand for seafood products, with consumers seeking convenient and sustainable options for their homes.
Recent Advancements in Sustainable Seafood:
Photo by Bob Brewer on Unsplash
One of the most significant advancements in seafood sustainability is the increasing adoption of sustainable fishing and seafood farming practices. Over the past decade, there has been a growing awareness of the need to protect marine ecosystems, reduce overfishing, and minimize bycatch (the unintentional capture of non-target species during fishing).
Various organizations, such as the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), have been established to certify and promote sustainable seafood practices. These certifications provide consumers with confidence that the seafood they consume has been sourced in an environmentally responsible and socially accountable manner.
In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards more sustainable fishing practices, such as selective fishing methods that target specific species and sizes, avoiding overfishing and reducing bycatch. Additionally, there has been increased use of technology, such as satellite monitoring and real-time data collection, to improve fishing practices and ensure compliance with regulations.
Identifying Sustainable Fishing and Farming Practices:
Courtesy NOAA
Since 2020, the seafood industry has witnessed several changes to fishing and seafood farming practices, driven by evolving consumer preferences, regulatory requirements, and sustainability concerns. These changes have had significant impacts on the seafood industry, affecting the supply chain, product availability, and consumer demand.
Keeping up-to-date with the latest sustainable fishing and farming practices is vital for businesses in the seafood industry. By understanding and implementing environmentally-friendly practices, such as using sustainable fishing methods, supporting responsible aquaculture, and minimizing bycatch, businesses can ensure that their seafood products are sourced in an ecologically responsible manner. This information can be used to make informed decisions when selecting suppliers and partners in the seafood supply chain, ensuring that the products meet sustainability criteria and resonate with environmentally-conscious consumers. Listed below are some of the changes to Fishing and Seafood Farming Practices Since 2020:
1. Enhanced Traceability and Transparency:
There has been a growing demand for transparency in the seafood supply chain, with consumers seeking information about the origin, production methods, and sustainable practices of the seafood they consume. Businesses can utilize traceability systems such as blockchain and DNA testing to track the entire supply chain of their seafood products, from catch or harvest to distribution, to provide verifiable information about the seafood's journey from the ocean to the plate. This can help build trust and credibility with consumers who prioritize sustainability and responsible sourcing. Understanding the available traceability technologies and systems, as well as implementing robust traceability measures, can assist businesses in ensuring that their seafood products are sourced responsibly and meet consumer expectations for transparency.
As a result, we’re seeing more and more brands focused entirely on sustainable practices with brands like Wild Planet Foods and SafeCatch (MSC certified) gaining momentum in the canned tuna segment as well as big box store brands having some products carrying sustainable seafood certifications to respond to consumer demand for increased transparency.
2. Aquaculture Innovation:
Courtesy: Shinkei Systems and RefrigeratedandFrozenFoods.com
Aquaculture, or seafood farming, has been growing rapidly as a way to meet the increasing demand for seafood while reducing pressure on wild fish stocks. In recent years, there have been advancements in aquaculture practices, including the use of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), which help reduce environmental impact by recirculating and treating water used in fish farming, minimizing waste and disease risks.
Even more recently, we're seeing technology in the harvesting and processing of seafood at aquaculture sites advance the market. With sustainable seafood companies like LocalCoho introducing the use of robots to ethically harvest and process farm raised salmon and reduce their waste and improve quality, we're seeing advancements in aquaculture that can greatly impact the industry.
3. Ecosystem-Based Management:
There has been a shift towards ecosystem-based management, which considers the broader ecosystem and its interdependencies, rather than focusing solely on individual species. This approach takes into account the impacts of fishing practices on the entire ecosystem, including habitat conservation, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience. This approach aims to ensure the sustainability of not only the target species but also the entire marine ecosystem.
4. Reduction of Discards:
Discards, which are unwanted fish or other marine species caught during fishing but are not retained for consumption, have been a significant issue in the seafood industry. To address this problem, there has been a push towards reducing discards through measures such as improved gear selectivity, gear modifications, and the use of onboard processing technologies. This helps minimize waste and reduce the negative impact on non-target species.
Technological Advancements in the Seafood Industry and their Impact on Consumer Packaged Goods:
Technological advancements have played a crucial role in driving improvements in seafood sustainability and have had a significant impact on the seafood consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector.
Certifications and Labels:
Certifications play a significant role in sustainable seafood decision making. Businesses can seek certifications such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) to verify that their seafood products meet specific sustainability standards. These certifications can provide assurance to consumers that the seafood products they are purchasing are sourced sustainably, and can help businesses differentiate their products in the market. Understanding the different certifications and labels available, as well as their requirements and consumer recognition, can aid businesses in making decisions on which certifications to pursue for their seafood products, and how to effectively communicate these certifications to consumers through marketing and packaging.
Additionally, improved labeling practices, such as clearer and more transparent information on packaging, help consumers make informed choices about the sustainability and traceability of seafood products.
Studies have shown that consumers are willing to pay a premium for sustainable seafood products. According to a study by Nielsen, 66% of global consumers are willing to pay more for sustainable seafood products. (Nielsen, "The Sustainability Imperative"). Additionally, a report by the Marine Stewardship Council found that businesses that use the MSC ecolabel on their seafood products can see an increase in sales of up to 10%. (Marine Stewardship Council, "Benefits of MSC Certification").
2. Packaging:
Packaging plays a crucial role in preserving the quality and freshness of seafood products. Recent advancements in packaging technologies have led to innovations such as vacuum-sealed packaging, modified atmosphere packaging, and smart packaging that can extend the shelf life of seafood products and reduce food waste. A study by the European Commission found that using Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) can reduce the amount of product lost due to spoilage by up to 70%, which can result in significant cost savings for businesses. (European Commission, "Reducing Food Waste by Extending Shelf Life"). Innovative packaging technologies are projected to be a key contributing factor to the increasing growth of the seafood market globally as well as an opportunity to overcome growth barriers of the industry associated with product spoilage and waste.
3. Supply Chain Management:
Technology has also enabled better supply chain management in the seafood industry. From real-time tracking of vessels to automated data collection and analysis, technology has improved the transparency and traceability of seafood products throughout the supply chain. This has helped identify and address potential issues related to sustainability, quality, and food safety, ensuring that consumers receive safe and sustainable seafood products. How does this potentially impact your business? Well, if you are able to track the shipments of your valuable seafood, identify any food safety issues, such as mishandling or thawing and confirm testing results before you receive it, you can save your business time and money. When companies have more control over their supply chain, it benefits the seafood industry as a whole.
4. Consumer Engagement:
Technology has also facilitated greater consumer engagement in seafood sustainability. Mobile apps, websites, and other digital platforms provide consumers with information about sustainable seafood choices, including certified products and their sources. This empowers consumers to make informed decisions and support sustainable seafood practices through their purchasing choices. Increasing consumer engagement can result in increased brand awareness, positive customer experiences, and consumer loyalty for your brand, all of which can result in increased sales.
At The New Flavor, our vision is to see more business owners feel empowered to launch new and innovative seafood products that prioritize sustainability and traceability. We believe that sustainability should be at the forefront of seafood production, from the ocean to the plate. We strive to guide and advise entrepreneurs and big brands in incorporating sustainable seafood practices into their products, helping them navigate the complex landscape of seafood sustainability and helping them ensure it makes sense for their business overall.
Staying informed on the latest sustainable seafood practices can help businesses develop and improve their seafood product offerings, meet consumer demand for sustainable and responsible seafood options, and ultimately drive measurable business success in the global seafood market. As the demand for sustainable seafood continues to grow, staying informed and proactive in adopting sustainable practices can position businesses as leaders in the industry and contribute to a more sustainable future for our oceans and marine resources. If you want additional insight on how sustainable seafood can guide you product development, sourcing strategies, and marketing efforts, let us know!
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