Written by: Adriana Sanchez, Seafood Ninja, Inc.
After many years in the seafood sustainability movement working with companies to understand the asks from conservation groups, I’ve come to believe it’s critically important for seafood companies to actively participate in these conversations if real, on-the-water impact is what we seek. Industry engagement is essential if we, as a movement, are to become more proactive about the improvements needed across supply chains.
NS Aliansi Konservasi untuk Solusi Makanan Laut advances sustainability efforts through collaboration among NGOs and other stakeholders. Still, until recently, industry involvement has been limited, leading to challenges in translating sustainability frameworks into real-world, actionable strategies. But this is all now changing for the better.
In 2020 the Alliance created the Pusat Global, a network of now over 185 organizations—including industry voices—working together to tackle some of the biggest sustainability challenges in seafood. The seafood industry now has a vital seat at the table, contributing its expertise to shape and refine sustainability programs. As professionals with firsthand knowledge of logistics, feasibility, pricing, and market conditions, industry representatives bring critical insights that ensure these programs are not only ambitious but also practical and effective. By engaging in these discussions, co-created solutions are produced that work for both sustainability advocates and the businesses that drive the seafood supply chain. The shift from industry actors being passive recipients to guidance to now being active co-designers marks a significant and positive transformation in how the responsible seafood movement is driving change.
The Role of the Alliance in Supporting Industry
The Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions plays a crucial role in connecting seafood businesses with NGOs and other stakeholders from across the sector, fostering collaboration that leads to real change.
For seafood companies, the Alliance provides a platform to engage with others from the movement, access practical resources, and find strategic alignment on sustainability efforts. Businesses no longer have to navigate these challenges alone. Through networking opportunities and access to tools and information that support implementation, companies can integrate sustainability into their operations in a way that works for them.
The Alliance’s goal is ambitious but clear: by 2030, at least 75% of global seafood production should be environmentally responsible or making measurable improvements with safeguards in place to ensure social responsibility. To achieve our goal, the seafood industry and NGOs must work together, aligning priorities and ensuring that sustainability efforts are not just well-intended but truly effective in practice.
What Seafood Companies Need to Succeed
In the Alliance’s recent webinar, we heard directly from NGOs and seafood businesses about their biggest sustainability challenges and priorities. It’s clear that companies are looking for actionable support, not just more conversations. They want real solutions that fit into their business models and help them stay competitive while meeting sustainability expectations.
Some of the top areas companies are focused on include human rights due diligence, better traceability, and supply chain transparency. Strengthening brand reputation and building better supplier relationships are also key priorities. But to make progress, companies need support—whether it’s training for their staff, access to the right resources, or guidance on navigating complex compliance issues.
Moving Forward—Together
The seafood industry is at a turning point. Businesses can’t afford to just react to new sustainability expectations—they need to be part of shaping them. By actively engaging with initiatives like the Alliance, seafood businesses can ensure that sustainability strategies make sense in the real world, aligning with market realities and operational feasibility.
Having spent the past 15 years navigating both corporate and NGO spaces, I’ve seen firsthand how important it is to bring these perspectives together. The best solutions come from collaboration—not from working in silos. By breaking down barriers and learning from one another, we can build a seafood industry that is not just sustainable on paper, but truly works for the businesses that drive it every day.
Now is the time for seafood companies to take ownership of their sustainability journey. By working side by side with NGOs, industry leaders, and stakeholders, we can ensure that responsible seafood isn’t just an aspiration, it becomes the standard.
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About Adriana
Adriana is the founder of Seafood Ninja, Inc., a consultancy that aims to provide affordable solutions for sustainable seafood sourcing to the seafood industry and their clients. Prior to this role, she served as the Responsible Seafood Strategy Director for Iberostar, where she developed their Responsible Seafood Commitment of 100% responsible seafood sourcing in all hotels by 2025. Adriana has also held key roles as the Business Development Manager at Fair Trade USA and the Sustainability Director at Sea Delight, LLC. She is a graduate of the University of Florida and is known for her expertise in building partnerships between the seafood industry and conservation groups, making her a leading voice in the sustainable seafood movement.
