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On June 8, people from around the world will participate in beach clean-ups, visit aquarium touch tanks and attend sustainable seafood tastings. world oceans day. Established by the United Nations to raise awareness of the important role the ocean plays in our lives and the importance of protecting it, this annual global celebration is a fun way to highlight the need to protect marine ecosystems. But behind the scenes, the seafood industry is facing a sobering reality check that goes beyond simply the health of our oceans.
Over the past few months, inspection exposed Widespread human rights violations, unsafe working conditions, low wages, and child labor throughout the seafood supply chain. and EU's latest ban The issue of goods produced with forced labor highlights the global scale of this problem.
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The constant drumbeat of human and labor rights violations serves as a warning to seafood businesses of all sizes, from global supermarket chains to family-owned restaurants. While the industry has made progress in becoming more environmentally responsible, it is clear that efforts must now accelerate to root out human and labor rights abuses. Failure to do so will result in consumer backlash, loss of customers, reputational damage, and legal repercussions.
Equally important, environmental and social responsibility are intrinsically linked. If a company mistreats its employees, it is likely to ignore environmental issues and vice versa. This interconnectedness highlights the importance of companies embracing a holistic approach to sustainability and addressing the well-being of their employees and the planet.
Seafood companies can no longer ignore social impacts. The court of public opinion is reviewing viral documentaries such as:maritimePopular podcasts such as , “Sea of Outlaws” It shines a bright light on unethical practices. These revelations are fueling consumer awakening.
This is not a passing fad. It's an existential threat to businesses that don't take action. all 2023 NielsenIQ Study There is no doubt about it. Products with legitimate environmental and social claims are outpacing products without such claims at an alarming rate. And demographics don't lie. High-income households are driving this sector, and this is a pivotal segment that no company can afford to ignore. Previous data revealed an even more horrifying reality. Two-thirds of consumers We will abandon all brands exposed to worker exploitation. In an era of radical transparency, companies have two choices: One is to evolve or risk losing dependent customers.
The complexity of the global seafood supply chain is no excuse for inaction. This is especially true given the increased vulnerability of workers involved in work that often takes place in remote, polluted areas far from regulatory oversight or in countries where audit firms have limited monitoring capabilities. The process of effectively addressing unethical practices in your supply chain may seem daunting and is neither cheap nor easy, but the benefits far outweigh the risks of complacency.
For World Oceans Day, businesses can start by embracing the mantra, “You can’t fix what you don’t know.” Rigorous supply chain due diligence is not only desirable, it is essential for survival. The very act of examining sourcing networks yields exponential rewards, and a commitment to transparency exposes areas of concern, puts pressure on outdated systems, and creates new ones. Whether implementing strong labor standards for suppliers, investing in sustainable sourcing, or exploring ethical alternatives, companies can future-proof their businesses while fostering reforms that are reflected throughout their global supply chains.
Businesses don’t have to go it alone. Organizations like the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions provide: guide and resource Helps identify and mitigate risks. Industry leaders include: aldi and Albertsons We have demonstrated that progress is possible by delivering on promising commitments to sustainable seafood.
The seafood industry's challenges are significant, but so is its potential for change. This World Oceans Day should act as a catalyst to prioritize social responsibility, drive positive change, promote inclusion and build ethical supply chains that protect workers and the environment. Embracing these imperatives is important not only for the future of the seafood industry, but also for the oceans we depend on.
