SBTN unveils first ocean science-based targets for seafood companies

The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) has launched the first target framework to help seafood companies protect and restore oceans.

The framework includes three specific science-based targets for companies in the seafood sector: avoiding and reducing overfishing; protecting marine habitat both in wild fisheries and aquaculture sites; and reducing risks to endangered, threatened and protected marine wildlife.

The final targets appear identical to the draft launched for consultation at the end of 2024.

They were developed under the leadership of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and Conservation International, and address the key drivers of ocean degradation: habitat and biodiversity loss, as well as overexploitation of fish stocks.

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“With the first ocean science-based targets for seafood, companies now have a globally recognised framework to scale action across land, freshwater and ocean. These targets help companies move beyond incremental change, strengthening marine ecosystems, supply chain resilience, and long-term viability,” said Erin Billman, Executive Director of SBTN.

SBTN calls for early adopters

The organisation – which is behind the first science-based targets for nature adopted recently by Kering, GSK and Holcim – is now inviting companies in the seafood value chain to “lead the way”. It will hold a webinar on March 25 to present the new framework as well as its SBTN Ocean Hub, and answer questions.

Firms can also register their interest to be among the early adopters of ocean science-based targets.

“The targets provide crucial support for seafood companies looking to future-proof their business, recognising our dependence on healthy marine ecosystems to thrive now and in the future,” added Thorbjørn Harkamp, Vice Managing Director at Danish aquaculture firm Musholm, which tested the targets as a pilot company.

Complete suite of science-based targets for nature

Ocean targets complete SBTN’s initial suite of science-based targets for nature, meaning companies  now have a clear, standardised framework for environmental action across freshwater, land and oceans.

The ocean is the planet’s largest carbon sink, making it a vital buffer against climate change. Yet, ocean ecosystems are under immense pressure from overfishing and habitat destruction – with SBTN calling for “urgent action”.