- TOP
- PROGRAM
How Can Measures to Combat IUU Fishing Become Truly Globally Effective?
In late 2019, the EU IUU Fishing Coalition published a report to compare import control schemes (ICSs) of the EU, the United States, and key RFMOs. This report greatly influenced the establishment of new ICSs in Japan and the Republic of Korea (ROK). In April 2025, a follow-up report that also evaluates the new Japanese and Korean ICSs was published. While both countries received positive remarks, especially around alignment with existing schemes, some challenges were identified, including the need to expand species coverage. In this session, the lead author of this report and key figures of relevant market states, including Japan and the ROK, will discuss how measures to combat IUU fishing can become truly effective globally.
Human Rights Violations and Corporate Accountability Measures in the Seafood Industry
Serious human rights violations continue to occur at the frontline of global seafood production. In this session, we will discuss the reality of labor exploitation and forced labor in Southeast Asia and the effectiveness of human rights assessments by companies. We will also look into actual cases of human rights violations in the tuna industry and how companies addressed them, as well as the kind of legal frameworks and regulations that companies are asking the government to establish, while exploring potential solutions together with the audience.
Seafood Resource Management in International Waters in the Climate Crisis Era
The climate crisis is bringing significant changes to marine ecosystems. Shifts in species distribution, along with substantial declines in biomass and productivity, are projected and will inevitably impact marine ecosystems, fisheries, and coastal communities more than ever. Against this backdrop, experts will discuss how fisheries resources should be managed in the high seas and exclusive economic zones (EEZs).
The Future of Small-Scale Fisheries: Digital Transformation and Sustainable Finance
In East and Southeast Asia, the importance of small-scale fisheries is growing from the perspectives of food security and sustaining local economies. Meanwhile, their vulnerability is a pressing issue. How can we improve the sustainability of small-scale fisheries and their unique diversity? We will discuss ways to revitalize small-scale fisheries and local communities that rely on them through digital transformation (DX) and sustainable finance.
Pre-Competitive Collaboration in Japan’s Seafood Sector for Collective Impact
Environmental due diligence, human rights due diligence, and traceability development are three areas that pose many challenges for companies that practice sustainability, and are difficult for individual companies to solve on their own. For this reason, efforts to solve these issues collectively have begun in Japan.
In order to create an impact on solving international challenges surrounding seafood based on a mid/long-term perspective, it is crucial to establish an effective collaborative platform. This panel will broadly discuss the direction of efforts, including the development of ideal "guidelines" necessary for Japanese companies to implement effective and collective actions.
Securing New Funding with Supply Chain Transparency
Full-chain traceability is essential for businesses in the seafood sector to meet environmental and human rights disclosure requirements set by investors and financial institutions. In this session, experts will discuss how sustainable investments can be attracted by enhancing transparency throughout supply chains to eliminate risks such as IUU fishing and human rights violations.
The Growth of Global Demand for Japanese Seafood and Export Barriers
Global demand for Japanese seafood, praised for its quality and safety, is steadily growing. However, accessing overseas markets is a significant challenge, particularly in meeting international standards for sustainability and traceability (i.e., transparency of the distribution process). This session will highlight seafood export policies led by the government and industry and collaborative efforts to promote Japanese seafood internationally, as well as sustainability and traceability standards required by global markets. The latest updates on key practical information will be shared to explore the path to sustainable growth of the Japanese seafood industry in the global market.
Shaping the Future of Aquaculture through Responsible Feed Sourcing
The aquaculture industry is rapidly growing worldwide, driven by digital transformation (DX) and the rise of large-scale land-based fish farming. For the sustainable development of the industry, it is essential not only to protect the natural environment and respect human rights, but also to responsibly source feed that considers environmental impacts and marine resource sustainability. In this session, companies engaged in responsible sourcing and certification bodies that set feed standards will come together to discuss practical approaches to sustainable feed procurement and how these efforts can drive the advancement of sustainable aquaculture.
Achieving our 2030 Goal in Asia: A New Meta-Coalition Initiative
Building on the momentum from TSSS2024, where many participants supported our goal "Win the Mainstream by 2030,” this session will present a roadmap for realizing that vision across Asia through multi-stakeholder collaboration. What is the meta-coalition initiative that aims to maximize impact across the region? Members of key Asian coalitions will share their perspectives and discuss future developments.
