While it might seem self-evident that responsible companies would only buy seafood from legally approved fishers, the reality is quite different. If you buy from small-scale or artisanal fisheries, there is a good chance that some of your producers are not legally recognized by their governments and other risks associated with human rights and labor abuses may be occurring in your supply chain.

The upcoming EU Due Diligence legislation will expand the legal implications for companies marketing seafood products imported from fisheries with unregistered fishers and vessels, or where human rights or labor conditions are not fully respected.

In this panel, we will hear from representatives from international seafood companies, professionals working with small-scale fisheries in the Global South, and experts involved in the development of the new EU Due Diligence legislation to better understand the challenges and opportunities this new scenario will bring. 

Small-scale fisheries produce 40 percent of the world’s total fish catch. They include some iconic fisheries, such as squid, octopus, shrimp and crabs that are highly sought-after and widely consumed in large international markets.

By supporting small-scale fisheries, seafood companies have the opportunity to improve global seafood sustainability and benefit the most underserved fishers in commercial supply chains.