Investing in sustainable seafood: Why it matters and what can be done

Seafood may be the most traded food commodity in the world, but there is still much to be done to transition seafood to a sustainable sector that delivers future-proof returns to businesses. While great strides have been made in the past few decades by seafood companies, governments, and non-governmental organizations to identify, manage and mitigate environmental and social impacts and risks, about 75% of seafood sold today is still not certified or rated as sustainable, and more than 30% of the world’s fisheries remain over-exploited. As demonstrated by several Planet Tracker reports, sustainable seafood finance is not only the most socially responsible financial proposition but also the most comprehensive risk management strategy for investors. Investors need to understand the potential risks associated with ‘business as usual’ in the seafood sector and seek opportunities to play a role in supporting the transition towards sustainable seafood finance. Planet Tracker, World Benchmarking Alliance, WWF, and the United Nations Environment Porgramme Finance Initiative will be hosting a panel discussion to outline to investors the business case for sustainable seafood finance. This panel will introduce why seafood sustainability risks should matter to investors, followed by a discussion of tools available for investors to engage with sustainable seafood and concrete actions for investors to focus on in their engagement. The event will allow for an interactive discussion with the audience. Speakers will include: - François Mosnier - Head of the Oceans Programme at Planet Tracker - Lucy Holmes - Senior Program Manager, Seafood Finance, WWF - Helen Packer - Seafood Stewardship Index Lead, World Benchmarking Alliance - Lily Stuart - Research & Engagement Manager, Oceans & Biodiversity, FAIRR Initiative - Dennis Fritsch - Senior Project Coordinator Sustainable Blue Economy, UNEP FI - Robert-Alexandre Poujade - Biodiversity Lead, BNP Paribas Asset Management