ForSea Solutions Celebrates 8 Years of Impact!

2024 marked the 8th anniversary of ForSea Solutions! We’ve grown from a founding team of two to a dedicated team of eight, devoted to advancing sustainable seafood practices. We’re proud to have spearheaded numerous Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), conducted extensive Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) pre-assessments, and helped over 40 companies achieve MSC certification. Our experts collaborate globally, actively participating in major seafood industry events and supporting clients from fisheries to the supply chain, demonstrating our commitment to sustainable practices worldwide.

 

Advancing MSC Fishery Certification in Kamchatka

In 2024, our Kamchatka client-fisheries continued to set benchmarks in MSC certification:
• Certification Achievements: In summer, 16 distinct salmon fisheries across 4 joint MSC certificates entered re-assessments with additional fishery successfully re-certified in the fall.
• Beyond Certification Compliance: Over the past five years, our clients have consistently demonstrated their allegiance to sustainable marine resource management and responsible harvesting practices, preserving a vital habitat for over 30% of the world’s remaining Pacific wild salmon and contributing to more than 80% of Kamchatka’s salmon harvest maintaining MSC certification.
• Supporting Global Sustainability: Through adherence to MSC’s rigorous standards, we promote transparency, accountability, and an emphasis on curtailing illegal fishing, advancing scientific research, and fostering collaborative multi-stakeholder engagement across all spheres.
• Building Trusting Relationships: At FSS, we pride ourselves on developing strong, trust-based relationships with our clients, partners and stakeholders, aligning mutual efforts towards a resilient future.
• Community and Cultural Engagement: Our team celebrates the vital role of diverse cultures and fishery practices within local communities in advancing a sustainable marine environment globally.

 

Preserving Integrity of Kamchatka’s MSC Certified Salmon Products

This year, ForSea Solutions guided over 25 companies, managing more than 30 processing plants and floating vessels, through annual MSC Chain of Custody (CoC) surveillance audits in Kamchatka.
Comprehensive Client Support: Our team extends beyond mere compliance, offering hands-on assistance during chain of custody audits:
• Preparing regulatory documentation to ensure company traceability;
• Delivering MSC CoC Standard training to equip clients with crucial knowledge;
• Providing support during onsite audits, streamlining procedures, and maintaining focus on sustainable practices.
• Acting as a liaison with auditors to facilitate smooth communication, securing a successful and time-efficient audit process.

 

Dungeness Crab FIP: Progress Toward MSC Certification

ForSea Solutions, in collaboration with the Oregon Dungeness Crab Commission (ODCC), the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife (ODFW), and other key stakeholders, is leading the US Oregon Dungeness Crab Fishery Improvement Project (FIP) toward MSC certification. Now in its fourth year of implementation, the FIP is working steadily to stay on track and achieve this goal. Together with our partners, we are proud to support this iconic fishery’s pledge to globally recognized sustainability practices.
• Resource Management Excellence: Oregon’s fishing community continues to uphold robust, science-based management practices to maintain healthy and abundant crab stocks.
• Bycatch Mitigation: Successful measures have been implemented to reduce bycatch, minimizing unintended impacts on non-target species.
• Gear Innovation and Habitat Protection: Adoption of gear improvements, including best practices to reduce marine mammal entanglements and protect sensitive habitats, demonstrates proactive fishery stewardship.
• Improved Data Collection: Enhanced monitoring and data-driven assessments provide critical insights for adaptive management and long-term stock sustainability.
• Collaborative Policy Development: Ongoing partnerships with ODFW and stakeholders have strengthened fishery policies, ensuring they align with global sustainability benchmarks.

 

Sustaining Pacific Salmon: Fisheries Improvement in the Kuril Islands

This year, we showcase a unique salmon fishery in the Kuril Islands with a rich history of heritage fishing practices. The Comprehensive Kunashir Island Pink and Chum Salmon FIP has achieved measurable advancements in policies and management systems over the past three years since its inception. We celebrate and thank our fishery-client for reaching several impressive milestones.
• Third-Year Progress: The FIP has reached Stage 4, maintained an Advanced Progress rating on FisheryProgress.org, and is now preparing for three-year independent expert verification to assess readiness for MSC certification.
• Social Responsibility Compliance: With our team’s guidance, the Kunashir FIP has successfully met the Human Rights and Social Responsibility Policy requirements, including a robust Policy Statement, accessible Grievance Mechanisms, and enhanced Fisher Awareness of Rights.
• Continuous On-the-Ground Support: Our fishery experts provide regular on-site assistance for the Kunashir FIP, working closely with fishermen, scientists, and fishery managers to support effective FIP implementation and protect the ecological integrity of operations.

 

Recognizing Inactive FIPs: Celebrating Sustainable Results and Continued Improvements

At ForSea Solutions, we are proud to recognize the efforts of our former Russia Northern Sakhalin Salmon FIP clients on Sakhalin Island. While these fisheries have paused their formal FIP journey, their commitment to sustainability remains strong. As of 2024, they continue to work diligently, supported by the long-term measures established during the FIP and guided by our original recommendations.
• Comprehensive FIP Progress (2017–2021): The Northern Sakhalin FIP achieved 80+ scores for nearly 90% of MSC Performance Indicators (PIs) through successfully implemented actions during its 4-year work plan, laying a solid foundation for MSC certification readiness.
• Ecosystem Preservation Sustained: Though the fishery did not enter MSC assessment in 2022, ongoing monitoring and protection of spawning grounds, established during the FIP, continue to preserve local salmon populations, support sustainable harvests of Pink and Chum salmon, and ensure the long-term viability of the stocks.
• Deepened Stakeholder Engagement: For years, ForSea Solutions has collaborated closely with scientific experts and the regional fishing community, ensuring stakeholder input and local knowledge drive meaningful, lasting progress.
These achievements highlight the fishery’s perseverance in pursuing sustainability, supported by stakeholder collaboration and guidance from ForSea Solutions. They serve as a powerful example of how well-implemented practices, paired with meaningful participation, drive long-term progress even beyond the formal lifespan of a FIP.

 

Making Waves at Conferences

 

The FSS team has had a busy year, engaging in key international industry events, shaping the future of sustainable seafood.

• (March) Seafood Expo North America, Boston, USA: Strengthened relationships with industry leaders, NGOs, buyers, and partners, initiating projects that reinforce our dedication to the seafood industry.

• (April) Seafood Expo Global, Barcelona, Spain: Engaged in critical discussions at the Seafood Futures Forum, organized by our long-standing partner, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

• (May) Seafood Expo Eurasia, Istanbul, Turkey: Made our mark at the inaugural event that promotes “business beyond politics,” aiming to unite industry stakeholders from Europe, Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

• (October) Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions Conference, Cancún, Mexico: Enhanced our network connections with global partners, bolstering local collaborations between the private and public sectors.

• (November) Pacific Marine Expo, Seattle, USA: Explored new opportunities and showcased regional fisheries innovations across the Pacific Northwest, highlighting how local efforts drive global seafood sustainability while celebrating the region’s industry champions.

Ensuring Integrity of Certified Products Worldwide: CoC Beyond Boundaries

 

Forsea Solutions support a global network of clients committed to delivering sustainable seafood products. Our expertise in MSC Chain of Custody (CoC) standards transcends borders, ensuring certified products maintain their integrity across the supply chain.

Global Reach: We work with clients spanning Spain, Russia, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, and Japan—a testament to our expansive technical capabilities.

Year-Round Support: Through dedicated consultancy, we ensure seamless compliance with MSC CoC standards, guiding our clients every step of the way.

Streamlined Efficiency: Our solutions reduce the complexity of certification, saving clients valuable time and resources. By optimizing workflows and simplifying audits, we help achieve faster compliance with minimal disruption—ensuring operations run smoothly and certifications are secured with confidence.
ForSea Solutions stands as a trusted partner for sustainable seafood businesses, delivering clarity, efficiency, and excellence to meet global standards.

 

Driving Global Sustainability: ForSea Solutions’ Ongoing Commitment

As ForSea Solutions celebrates eight years of impact, we take pride in our unwavering dedication to sustainable seafood practices. From advancing MSC certifications in Kamchatka and leading groundbreaking FIPs in Oregon and the Kuril Islands to ensuring the integrity of certified seafood worldwide, our expertise continues to drive measurable progress. Our global reach spans key seafood-producing regions, where we provide hands-on support, stakeholder collaboration, and innovative solutions for fisheries, processors, and supply chains. With a strong presence at international conferences and a deep commitment to marine resource conservation, ForSea Solutions remains at the forefront of the sustainable seafood movement. As we look to the future, we reaffirm our mission to enhance seafood sustainability, promote responsible practices, and support businesses in achieving the highest industry standards.