The joint statement calls on companies worldwide to endorse the industry standards released by the GDST last year, to globally improve seafood traceability.

Eliminating IUU is an essential precursor of sustainability, as flagged by Andrea Weber, director of corporate responsibility at Metro and industry chair of the GTA.

“The value of our coalition’s collaborative call to action cannot be overestimated,” stresses Susan Jackson, president, ISSF. “Real change for more sustainable fisheries can only come through unified and consistent appeals to the world’s fisheries managers.”

Better access to verifiable information about the origin of fish products is essential to the future of the seafood industry, adds David Schorr, co-chair of GDST. “Global alignment around the GDST standards will dramatically improve traceability across the entire sector, while also making it more affordable and business-smart.”

“By working together to support the implementation of the PSMA and GDST 1.0, companies and governments can have an enormous impact in favor of legal, sustainable and responsibly-sourced seafood.”

The aquaculture sector has faced similar backlash for its unsustainable practices in developments this month. Intensive farming practices by salmon producers have cost the industry almost US$50 billion since 2013, according to a recent report from social and economic research company Just Economics.