Nissui joins NAPA (North Atlantic Pelagic Advocacy Group)

NAPA is an international collaborative platform comprised of companies and organizations involved throughout the seafood supply chain, including retailers, food service operators, food manufacturers, seafood processors, aquaculture companies, and feed companies. Established in 2020, NAPA aims to achieve science-based fisheries management and support the recovery of MSC certification¹ for three major pelagic fish species in the Northeast Atlantic: Atlantic mackerel, Atlanto-Scandian herring, and blue whiting. Today, more than 55 companies and organizations from across the global seafood supply chain participate in NAPA.

The pelagic fish stocks of the Northeast Atlantic are globally important fisheries resources, and Atlantic mackerel in particular is a species with strong demand in the Japanese market. However, agreement has not yet been reached among the Coastal States regarding the allocation of fishing quotas. As a result, fishing pressure continues to exceed scientifically advised catch levels, leading to the gradual suspension of MSC certification for all three species since 2019.

In response to this situation, NAPA promotes advocacy activities in which seafood supply chain companies work together to call on the relevant Coastal States and fisheries stakeholders to implement science-based fisheries management. NAPA also works on research projects and supports scientific research as part of two Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs).²

As a global seafood group engaged in the procurement, processing and sales of seafood products around the world, the Nissui Group believes it has a responsibility to contribute to the sustainable use of fish stocks. The pelagic fish stocks of the Northeast Atlantic are important resources for the seafood supply chain worldwide, including in Europe, and Atlantic mackerel is also a key species in the Japanese market. Based on this recognition, through its participation in NAPA, Nissui will work together with its group companies in Europe and Japan to contribute to the sustainable use of Northeast Atlantic pelagic fish stocks and the improvement of fisheries management frameworks.

The Nissui Group has identified "mainstreaming marine biodiversity" as one of its material issues and is promoting the development of a sustainable business foundation through initiatives such as sourcing raw materials with confirmed stock status and engaging with fisheries eco-label certification programs. Going forward, Nissui will continue to work with its group companies in Japan and overseas and, through its participation in NAPA, promote the sustainable use of fish stocks. In NAPA's activities, Nissui will also collaborate closely with Flatfish, its UK-based group company, in supporting sustainable fisheries management for Northeast Atlantic pelagic stocks.

The news release regarding Nissui's participation in NAPA is also available on NAPA's website.

Release page:
　https://napafisheries.org/
Nissui's commitment statement:
　https://napafisheries.org/about/whos-on-board/

¹ MSC (Marine Stewardship Council)
An international non-profit organization headquartered in the UK that operates a seafood eco-labeling certification program.

² Fishery Improvement Project (FIP)
This initiative involves cooperation among stakeholders such as businesses, distributors, and retailers to promote improvements in fisheries management and operational methods, aiming for the sustainable use of marine resources.