Can we still eat seafood? Adopting responsible consumption and production of seafood, freshwater and aquaculture products to protect marine biodiversity

As global demand for seafood grows, adopting a more responsible approach to seafood production and consumption presents a valuable opportunity. While 37.7% of wild seafood stocks are currently overexploited (FAO, 2024), innovative solutions in resource management, responsible sourcing, and consumer awareness can help ensure a thriving marine ecosystem. By optimising resource efficiency and reducing environmental impact, we can create a future where seafood remains both a nutritious and sustainable choice.

This event, organised as part of Sustainable Gastronomy Day, will explore how consumer awareness, resource management strategies, and the adoption of responsible practices and sourcing in the seafood supply chain and catering sector can contribute to responsible seafood consumption and production. A panel of experts will discuss challenges and solutions to safeguard marine resources while supporting a resilient blue economy, answering the question: Can we still eat seafood responsibly? By integrating circular economy principles, reducing waste, improving resource efficiency, and fostering sustainable economic growth, we can create a future where seafood remains a viable and ethical food source.

About the organising projects:

Mr.Goodfish 3.0 aims to raise awareness for responsible consumption of sea, freshwater, and aquaculture products by upgrading and expanding the Mr.Goodfish app as part of an EU-wide awareness campaign. The app will be part of an ecosystem of tools and activities to be co-created by stakeholders in three Pilot Sites and upscaled in two Replication Sites, each representing up to two of the following major European sea or freshwater basins: the Mediterranean Sea, the Atlantic Ocean, the North Sea & Channel, the Baltic Sea, the Arctic Ocean, the Black Sea, and the Danube River.

VeriFish is working on a framework of verifiable sustainability indicators based on existing EU and global databases. VeriFish is creating a prototype web application, a series of media products, and recommendations for communicating sustainability indicators to various stakeholders, including guidelines for retail and the hospitality sectors. The goal is to provide an accessible and dynamic framework for the improvement of communication and understanding of sustainable seafood production and consumption.

Both projects are part of the EU Mission 'Restore our Ocean & Waters.'