From Hawaii to China: How ForSea Solutions Strengthens Global Fisheries Partnerships

Photography: ForSea Solutions

In late 2025, ForSea Solutions expanded its global presence across key responsible fisheries initiatives — from Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) dialogue in the U.S. Pacific Northwest, to long-standing Kamchatka salmon fishery and supply chain partnerships in Asia, to international multi-stakeholder collaboration at the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions (CASS) in Hawaii.

These efforts reflect the practical, long-term nature of our work in fisheries advisory and certification strategy. Across regions and markets, the focus remains consistent: aligning science, stakeholders, and market pathways to strengthen responsible fisheries systems.

Below is a recap of key moments from the season.

Waikoloa, Hawaii | October 21–23, 2025

Celebrating 15 Years of the Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions (CASS)

ForSea Solutions participated in the 15th Annual Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions gathering at the Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa.

As proud members of CASS, this marked our first in-person attendance at the Alliance gathering — an important milestone for our team. The event brought together NGOs, seafood companies, and industry leaders to reflect on 15 years of collaboration toward healthier oceans and stronger seafood supply chains.

We joined the Day Zero Workshop focused on NGO & Industry Partnerships, contributing to dialogue around how consulting expertise, business leadership, and civil society cooperation can collectively advance responsible fisheries practices and measurable impact.

“Joining CASS and participating in this milestone gathering reinforced how much progress is possible when industry and NGOs collaborate thoughtfully. Our expertise in MSC pathways and responsible seafood practices continues to evolve through these global exchanges.”
— Natasha Novikova, Founder & President, ForSea Solutions

Qingdao, China | October 29–31, 2025

China Fisheries & Seafood Expo – Connecting Responsible Fisheries to Global Markets

In late October, ForSea Solutions participated in the China Fisheries & Seafood Expo 2025 — one of the world’s largest seafood trade events, bringing together more than 42,000 seafood professionals from 136 countries and 1,600 exhibitors across 14 exhibition halls.

Qingdao provided an opportunity to engage directly with Asian markets and reconnect with renowned Kamchatka salmon producers — long-standing MSC-certified partners we have supported for nearly a decade — while advancing collaboration around traceability, responsible sourcing, and supply chain integrity.

Working alongside Vikta LLC, a trader of MSC-certified salmon and wild seafood from the Russian Far East, our discussions underscored a core principle of our advisory work: responsible fisheries practices must be connected to transparent, high-value market pathways. Certification alone is not the destination — sustained credibility depends on alignment among producers, buyers, and regulatory frameworks.

“Exploring new markets and learning from diverse perspectives are central to ForSea’s global approach. China’s seafood marketplace offers meaningful opportunities to connect innovation, sustainability, and growth.”
— Natasha Novikova, Founder & President, ForSea Solutions

New York, NY | November 10, 2025

Stevie® Awards for Women in Business — Celebrating Resilience and Leadership

After being named a Finalist in the 2025 Stevie® Awards for Women in Business, Natasha Novikova was honored as a Bronze Stevie Winner in the 22nd Annual Awards in the category of Most Resilient Female Leader.

The 2025 competition attracted more than 1,500 nominations from organizations and individuals across 48 nations, with winners recognized in over 100 categories.

Natasha dedicated the recognition to the ForSea Solutions team and global partners whose shared commitment, long-standing collaboration, and cross-regional engagement make this work possible. Years of building international fisheries partnerships, navigating complex regulatory and geopolitical environments, and advancing MSC advisory efforts across multiple regions are collective achievements — grounded in sustained relationships rather than single milestones.

Seattle, WA | November 20–22, 2025

Pacific Marine Expo & MSC Open Forum – Dungeness Crab Pathway

The year’s MSC and fisheries advisory work culminated at Pacific Marine Expo (PME), where ForSea Solutions co-hosted the final MSC Open Forum of 2025 together with the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission (ODCC).
Building on the August 2025 Open Forum held in Westport, Washington, the Seattle session expanded coastwide dialogue around the potential Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification pathway for the Dungeness crab fishery. Crabbers, managers, processors, buyers, and community representatives gathered to examine the fishery’s long-term resilience, market positioning, and the practical steps involved in pursuing MSC certification.

This engagement reflects years of structured fisheries advisory support to the Oregon Dungeness crab Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), including implementation guidance, stakeholder facilitation, and technical preparation toward certification readiness — work that continues to evolve alongside regulatory and market expectations.

Building Credible Fisheries Partnerships

Across Hawaii, China, New York, and Seattle, our global initiatives reflect a shared reality: responsible fisheries practices depend on collaboration, verified science, transparent markets, and sustained stakeholder dialogue.

While these efforts offered meaningful opportunities to reconnect and assess progress, they represent steady, long-term work — where global dialogue, local fisheries leadership, and strategic certification advisory come together to strengthen seafood systems.

From Kamchatka salmon to Oregon Dungeness crab — from international trade floors to community open forums — ForSea Solutions continues to support fisheries navigating complex certification processes and evolving global market expectations.

With Aloha spirit and gratitude,
The ForSea Solutions Team