The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) has launched the first-ever ocean-specific sustainability targets—marking a turning point for the global seafood industry. These new benchmarks signal a move from extractive practices toward regenerative, science-backed strategies that align corporate sustainability with ocean health. For executives navigating tightening ESG expectations and rising climate risks, this initiative offers a credible, standardized framework to integrate marine science into corporate strategy and secure long-term supply chain resilience.
Pioneering Ocean Science-Based Targets
SBTN’s latest targets complete its full suite of science-based goals for nature, extending corporate accountability beyond land and freshwater to encompass the oceans—the planet’s most significant carbon sink. Oceans produce over half of the Earth’s oxygen and absorb around 30% of global CO₂ emissions. Yet, their ability to buffer climate change is being eroded by overfishing, habitat degradation, and warming waters.
Backed by institutions such as the World Wildlife Fund, Conservation International, and the Marine Stewardship Council, the SBTN framework gives seafood companies a globally recognized structure for action. Its independently validated methodology aligns with voluntary ESG disclosures and evolving regulatory demands, offering a new standard for environmental credibility and impact.
For businesses with exposure to ocean-linked supply chains—from aquaculture to wild fisheries—these targets provide more than just reputational insurance. They offer a strategic roadmap to mitigate environmental risk, ensure resource availability, and meet the expectations of sustainability-minded investors and consumers.
Addressing Key Drivers of Ocean Degradation
The ocean science-based targets are organized around three strategic levers:
Avoid and Reduce Overexploitation: This target addresses wild-capture fisheries, guiding companies to avoid sourcing from overfished stocks and engage in regional seascape-level improvements.
Protect Marine Habitats: This pillar focuses on both fisheries and aquaculture, aiming to reduce physical and ecological impacts on critical marine environments.
Reduce Risks to Endangered, Threatened, and Protected Species: Designed to minimize biodiversity loss, this target applies to both fishing and farming operations, aiming to safeguard vulnerable marine wildlife.
These goals not only support ecosystem regeneration but also bolster long-term business continuity by promoting healthy oceans—an essential asset for companies dependent on marine inputs.
Industry Adoption and Strategic Implications
Early adopters such as Mars Petcare, Orkla, and Bolton Foods are already piloting these targets, signaling early momentum across multinational supply chains. Aquaculture leader Musholm A/S, for instance, was the first to formally adopt the framework, citing its utility in “future-proofing operations” by embedding science into business decision-making.
Beyond compliance and risk mitigation, this initiative offers a first-mover advantage for seafood companies willing to lead in sustainability. By aligning with science-based targets, these firms position themselves for access to green financing, improved stakeholder trust, and resilience amid climate volatility.
The Rise of Regenerative Aquaculture
The shift toward regenerative ocean practices is gaining traction, with kelp and mussel cultivation emerging as scalable climate solutions. In the UK, a collaboration between sustainability consultancy Tunley Environmental and regenerative aquaculture company Algapelago underscores this trend. Their joint Blue Forest project integrates sugar kelp and mussel farming to sequester carbon, enhance nutrient cycling, and restore biodiversity in marine ecosystems.
According to their report, the cultivation system—spanning 116 hectares off North Devon—can remove up to 257.5 tonnes of carbon annually while extracting nitrogen and phosphorus from coastal waters. This model not only exemplifies the ecological potential of regenerative aquaculture but also quantifies its contribution to the blue economy—highlighting new opportunities for sustainable investment and innovation in seafood production.
Conclusion
SBTN’s ocean science-based targets represent a strategic inflection point for the seafood industry. By setting a standardized path toward marine regeneration, these targets equip businesses to shift from extractive to restorative practices—future-proofing supply chains, mitigating climate risk, and aligning with global ESG frameworks. For executives and sustainability leaders, the imperative is clear: ocean health is business health. Integrating marine science into procurement and production strategies is no longer optional—it’s a strategic necessity.