Jon Hermes (Guest Blog Author)
Photo by Gilberto Olimpio via Pexels
Sustainability is more than a trend. It’s here for the long run as various sectors of society acknowledge the need to develop eco-friendly and ethical practices. The seafood sector isn’t far behind. As seafood consumption is expected to increase by 14% in 2030 despite what could be a looming supply shortage, key players in the industry need to develop the means to conserve remaining marine life.
The Current State of Global Fishing
With climate change and overconsumption worsening as the years go by, the Marine Conservation Society reports that about 93% of global fish stocks are already overexploited. This comes as new technology for catching and processing seafood outpaces the reproduction of marine life. The issue now is for the sector to develop more sustainable ways to preserve marine life. Given that food security is closely related to sustainability, the following could very well coincide with the other.
Sustainable Harvesting Practices
When it comes to sourcing seafood products, there’s a need to abandon industrial-scale practices that could lead to the overkill of fish stocks. This would mean keeping track of new research on nearly depleted fishing grounds and how best to revive and protect them.
This would mean educating harvesters on new methods that won’t disturb the reproduction of fish in areas that yield high catches. Training them on effective aquaculture management can help them produce large harvests and leave enough fish to reproduce and replenish the population.
There’s also the issue of enforcing laws against illegal and unethical fishing. For the most part, the task is left in the hands of local governments where such practice falls within their jurisdiction. It should also involve the real-time sharing of information between countries and localities.
On the other hand, manufacturers of seafood products can do their part by refusing to source from producers that practice unethical and illegal harvesting and being transparent to consumers in sharing where these products were sourced.
Eco-friendly Processing Techniques
In addition to ensuring that their supply chain is sustainable, seafood manufacturers will also need to check if the processes they use align with current standards for reducing carbon emissions and reducing bio-waste. Streamlining energy consumption should be the top priority among manufacturers, considering they use a wide range of facilities, from a fish bone x-ray inspection system to fileting and cutting machines.
This prompts the need to ensure that such equipment is energy-efficient. An energy audit can also be done on processing plants that could source their energy demands from alternative sources such as solar. When it comes to waste management, manufacturers can monetize seafood byproducts by either introducing new product lines or using fish waste to develop compost for the agricultural sector.
Sustainable Packaging
The challenge when it comes to packaging is to extend shelf life and guarantee freshness and consumer safety. Cold chain plastic boxes and metal cans have been the most common options but there are efforts to introduce more sustainable packaging materials.
Instead of plastic or styrofoam containers, manufacturers can opt for organic cardboard lined with waterproof wax. Food-grade bioplastics are also becoming even more popular as they provide the same functional qualities as synthetic plastics.
Research is also being done in refining other alternative packaging options, including seaweed and celluloid-based packaging. More work needs to be done to create more affordable and eco-friendly storage systems that are just as effective as conventional packaging.
Endnote
The seafood industry is highly vulnerable to global environmental impacts. As many communities still depend on fish stocks for sustenance, the actions that the industry will take today will influence not just the consumption, but also the preservation of marine life for years to come.
Jon Hermes is the founder of TDI Packsys LLC, a company specializing in inspection and packaging solutions. With years of experience in the industry, Jon is dedicated to providing top-quality equipment and technology that helps businesses improve their packaging processes. His practical approach and passion for delivering reliable solutions have made TDI Packsys a trusted name in the field.
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