Environment

Sustainable Use of Natural Marine Resources

リード文

Sustainable Use of Natural Marine Resources

The world’s marine resources are being depleted and according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in 2022, the stock of only 7% of marine resources of the world was stable, while the stock of 57% had been fully exploited and the stock of 36% had been overexploited. We believe that the status of marine resources is extremely important in terms of medium- to long-term business risks and opportunities for the Nissui Group, which is engaged in businesses that utilize the bounty of the sea.
For this reason, we conduct a survey on the status of marine resources procured by the Nissui Group as a whole, for the purpose of getting a grasp of the resource status of its procured fish and identifying the issues to be addressed. In addition, we promote initiatives aimed at the sustainable use of marine resources on a Group-wide scale.

system, 株式会社ニッスイ サステナビリティ推進部, 外部協力者, 株式会社ニッスイ コーポレートコミュニケーション部, 株式会社ニッスイ 人事部人事課

Second Survey of Procured Marine Resources Sustainability (2019)

Nissui has conducted a resources survey based on the results of the volume of wild fish procured by Nissui and its Group companies (20 in and 20 outside Japan) in 2019. The total volume of wild-caught fish handled by the Nissui Group totaled approximately 2.71 million tons (live weight equivalent), which corresponds roughly to about 2.7% of the world’s total wild catch.

Since the previous survey undertaken in 2017, we have expanded and refined our survey methodology to include fish species, catch areas, country of origin, weight (in terms of live equivalent), as well as fishing methods and equipment used. We also added fish oil and compound feed ingredients, which were not included in the first survey, to the scope of this latest survey. Analysis of the survey data was outsourced to the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) (Note) to ensure that the results were independently verified.

(Note) Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP): USA-registered NGO that promotes the sustainable production of seafood throughout the supply chain.

Resources Sustainability Survey Methodology and Results

  The 1st survey (2017) The 2nd survey (2020)
Purchase 2016 2019
Group Company 38
(Nissui, Japan 21, Outside Japan 16)
41
(Nissui, Japan 20, Outside Japan 20)
Not
include
Seaweed,
Fish oil, Fishmeal used in formula feed
Seaweed
Analysis,
evaluation
In-house Third Party (SFP)
Based on FAO (Note 1) Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper No. 569. Rome, FAO. 2011.
SFP FishSource (Note 2) (Score 4)
SFP FishSource (Score 1-5)
⇒ Method by ODP (Ocean Disclosure Project) (Note 3)

(Note 1) FAO: Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(Note 2) FishSource: An international resource assessment database established by the SFP in 2007. The database was developed based on information on fishery resources from administrative agencies in various countries.
(Note 3) ODP: Online reporting platform for voluntary disclosure of seafood sourcing established by the SFP in 2015.

[Graph] Resources Sustainability Survey Methodology and Results

The survey found that the Nissui Group's procurement regions and volumes are as shown in the figure above, with Japan being the largest, at approximately 810,000 tons, followed by South America and North America.

Volume of Top10 category (by FAO-ISSCAAO classification)

[Figure] Volume of Top10 category (by FAO-ISSCAAO classification)

The largest volume in terms of fish species handled was comprised of herring and sardines, which are used as raw materials for fishmeal and fish oil, followed by white fish such as cod and hake, and pelagic fish such as mackerel, horse mackerel and yellowtail. The top two categories accounted for approximately 68% of the total.

Assessment Results of the State of Resources Management

Survey results were sent to an external, third-party organization (Sustainable Fisheries Partnership) to assess the state of resources. FishSource, an international resource assessment database managed by the same organization (see note below), assigns a score out of 10 for each of the following five score categories, which include the state of the resource and the fishery management system, and based on these scores, the state of resource management was evaluated on a four-stage scale according to the method specified by the Ocean Disclosure Project (ODP).

(Note) FishSource: An international resource assessment database developed based on fishery resource information from administrative agencies in various countries.

●FishSource Scores

Score 1: Management Strategy
Score 2: Managers' Compliance
Score 3: Fishers' Compliance
Score 4: Current Health
Score 5: Future Health

State of resources management of the procured items in 2019

[Graph] State of resources management of the procured items in 2019

ODP Analysis method (by FishSource score 1-5)

  • Well Managed
    : all FishSource scores ≥ 8
  • Managed
    : all FishSource scores ≥ 6
  • Needs improvement
    : at least one FishSource score < 6
  • Not Scored
    : don't have FishSource score

The SFP analysis showed that about 71% of the procured items were in a state of being “well managed” or “managed”. Conversely, 8% of resources were shown to be in need of improvement, and 21% could not be scored and therefore not assessed.

Third-party Programs to Promote Sustainable Marine Products Use

Ration to total procurement

[Graph] Ration to total procurement
  • MSC
    : Fisheries ecolabel certification system operated by MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) headquartered in the UK.
  • Alaska RFM
    : Alaska's Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) Program.
  • Friend of the Sea
    : Fisheries ecolabel certification system operated by an environmental NGO headquartered in Italy.
  • IFFO RS
    : A factory certification standard that guarantees responsible manufacturing and raw material procurement. Marin trust certification.
  • FIP
    : Fishery improvement project in which stakeholders work together to improve the sustainability of the fishery.

In addition, procurement derived from third-party programs that promote the sustainable use of seafood, such as eco-labels, accounted for about 51% of the total catch. Of the approximately 770,000 tons of MSC-certified products, Alaska Pollock accounted for more than 90%, or 720,000 tons.

Establishment of Fish Species for Consideration

The Nissui Group considers the two following categories of procured marine products "(1) Endangered Species" and "(2) Species not scored" to be particular challenges and is discussing future initiatives with a priority on species with a large handling volume.

(1) Endangered Species

As a result of the survey, we found out that some of the marine products we handle contain fish species that fall under the category of Critically Endangered Species I (CR and EN in the IUCN Red List) as defined by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature).

Measures to Handle Endangered Species

In 2022, we formulated the “Nissui Group Endangered Species (Marine Products) Procurement Policy" and, in line with this policy, decided on measures to deal with fish species that are particularly vulnerable to extinction. Views were exchanged with third parties (NGOs, universities and other research institutions) involved in the conservation of fishery resources to confirm the appropriateness of our response.

Endangered Species Based on Classification at Time of Survey Publication (September 2021)
Species Science name Volume
(tons)
CR
0.8 t
european eel Anguilla anguilla 0.8
EN
316 t
southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii 157
winter skate Leucoraja ocellata 116
sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus Isurus 22
shortfin mako Isurus oxyrinchus 8
atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus 6
japanese eel Anguilla japonica 6

[Figure] Arrow (change to down)

Endangered Species Based on 2022 Classification and Nissui Group Response Measures (IUCN Endangered Species Classification Subject to Change)

Species Science name Volume
(tons)
Current Nissui Group response measures
CR
51.8 t
spiny dogfish Squalus suckleyi 51 MSC-certified products account for 50% of procured stock and we aim to increase this percentage in the future.
european eel Anguilla anguilla 0.8 Sales channel expansion has been halted.
EN
307 t
southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii 157 As the Regional Fisheries Management Organization (RFMO) is managing the species appropriately, it was determined that procurement within the managed quota will continue to be possible.
winter skate Leucoraja ocellata 116 Sales channel expansion has been halted.
sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus Isurus 22 With the new Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution and Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants (Japan), it is determined that procurement will continue to be possible in accordance with the management rules.
atlantic halibut Hippoglossus hippoglossus 6 Two of the three Nissui Group companies that previously handled the resource have stopped handling it. The single remaining company has also reduced its handled volume.
japanese eel Anguilla japonica 6 Currently handled by only one company in the Nissui Group. Eel fry will be included in the target species of the Act on Ensuring the Proper Domestic Distribution and Importation of Specified Aquatic Animals and Plants in the future, and measures will be considered in light of this development.

(2) Species not scored

Many of the fish species used as ingredients in formula feeds have been identified as being in this category. We will strive to enhance traceability in cooperation with external parties, including participation in supplier roundtable discussions. With regard to other unidentified fish species, we will closely monitor the status of resources and the IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing practices of each fishing country, and make recommendations to each country for scientific resource management via SeaBOS.

Implementation of Ongoing Surveys

Nissui conducts surveys on the status of marine resources to understand the environmental impact of the procurement of marine products across the Nissui Group. Based on survey results to date, we have determined that procurement by the Nissui Group does not have a serious impact on the marine environment and fishery resources, although there are some issues that still need to be addressed at this time.
At the same time, the marine resource environment is constantly changing, with increasing demand for marine products and higher seawater temperatures due to climate change. We believe that it is important to carry out surveys on a regular basis and to always take appropriate measures to meet the future needs of the market. Following the 2016 and 2019 surveys, the Nissui Group is in 2023 conducting a survey of marine products procured during the year 2022. By analyzing these results and implementing appropriate measures, we will continue to strive for sustainable use of marine resources.

Click here to see detailed results of the First Survey

system, 株式会社ニッスイ サステナビリティ推進部, 外部協力者, 株式会社ニッスイ コーポレートコミュニケーション部

Roundtable Participation

Participation in Global Roundtable on Marine Ingredients

Since 2022, Nissui has been participating in the Global Roundtable on Marine Ingredients, an initiative working to promote sustainable marine products. This was one response to the second Survey of Procured Marine Resources Sustainability (2019), in which there were fish species identified as “Not Scored," where the status of the resource was difficult to assess, or “Needs Improvement,” where the status of the resource needs to be improved. Through the activities of this roundtable, we will continue to consider concrete actions.

Participation in External Initiatives​

system, 株式会社ニッスイ サステナビリティ推進部, 外部協力者, 株式会社ニッスイ コーポレートコミュニケーション部, 株式会社ニッスイ 人事部人事課

Participating in the “Pacific Bluefin Tuna Conservation Pledge” by WWF Japan

By participating in the “Pacific Bluefin Tuna Conservation Pledge” by WWF Japan, Nissui makes its intention clear to promote further global agreement in regard to the management of Pacific Bluefin Tuna resources together with other Japanese companies supporting this cause.

Please find details at WWF Japan HP

system, 株式会社ニッスイ サステナビリティ推進部, 外部協力者, 株式会社ニッスイ コーポレートコミュニケーション部

RFVS Certification

Acquisition of RFVS Certification

Australian Longline Pty Ltd. (Australia), which is one of the Nissui Group companies outside of Japan, is primarily engaged in Patagonian toothfish fishing in the Antarctic Ocean (subject to Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification).
In January 2021, Antarctic Discovery—a vessel owned by Australian Longline—became the world's first to acquire the Responsible Fishing Vessel Standard (RFVS) certification. RFVS is a fishing vessel-based certification program and is operated on a global scale by non-profit organization Global Seafood Alliance (GSA). Audits are conducted with respect to the safety and well-being of employees working on board the vessel from the viewpoint of human rights, in addition to fishing vessel management and catch traceability. Having acquired RFVS certification, Australian Longline has demonstrated to the general public that it abides by high standards in terms of welfare and safety for crew members on board its vessel and is not involved in illegal practices such as slave labor and poor living conditions. Australian longline acquired the RFVS certification for their new vessel Antarctic Aurora as well, in February 2021.

Recommendation of RFVS Certification

Flatfish Ltd. (UK), which is also one of the Nissui Group companies outside of Japan, contributed to RFVS as a member of the Technical Working Group of RFVS by such means as serving as a peer reviewer of RFVS in 2019 and 2020. Flatfish, which had been in favor of this certification scheme not only since the beginning at the time of its launch in 2006 but also upon its subsequent resumption in 2016, provided ongoing support toward its realization. Also, Flatfish believes that RFVS—which consists of two core principles, namely, “vessel management & safety systems” and “crew rights, safety and wellbeing”—is an extremely important standard for the welfare of fishing boat crew and recommends the adoption of RFVS certification across its entire supply chain.

system, 株式会社ニッスイ サステナビリティ推進部, 外部協力者, 株式会社ニッスイ コーポレートコミュニケーション部, 株式会社ニッスイ 人事部人事課

Preventing Seabird/Sea Mammal Bycatch

In the fishing industry, the incidental catch of seabirds and marine mammals—that is, non-targeted species—is considered to be a major concern. The Nissui Group understands the risks of bycatch associated with various fishing methods and is committed to promoting initiatives for bycatch prevention. Furthermore, SeaBOS (Seafood Business for Ocean Stewardship, a cross-industry initiative to strengthen sustainable seafood business practices to which Nissui is a signatory to) is also addressing this topic and is working with member companies to assess the current situation and seek ways to make improvements.

Nissui Group Companies' Initiatives

Fishing companies in the Nissui Group have introduced “tori lines” (Note), which are widely used to prevent the bycatch of seabirds, as well as a variety of other innovations adapted to their specific fishing methods. When there are national or fishery area bycatch prevention programs in place, Nissui conducts business in line with these accordingly.

(Note)Tori line: A device that prevents birds from approaching the bait by towing a rope to which streamers and tapes are attached from the tip of a long pole fixed at the stern of the fishing boat; also called tori pole (Source: World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) website).

[Initiatives at EMDEPES]

Chilean trawler company EMDEPES has devised a way to prevent seabirds from striking towing wires that extend from the stern into the sea by suspending a weight with a pulley and submerging these wires close to the stern of the vessel. This approach has reduced the number of wire collisions involving seabirds in flight by about 80% compared to conventional methods. This initiative was submitted to the Chilean Ministry of Fisheries, and received a favorable evaluation. EMDEPES fishing vessels are also fitted with devices to prevent bycatch of marine mammals (fur seals, seals, etc.); the company has seen a zero bycatch of these animals since installation of these devices.

[Image] Wire for fishing-equipment monitoring sensor

Wire for fishing-equipment monitoring sensor

[Figure] Wire for fishing-equipment monitoring sensor and Weight

[Initiatives at Sealord]

Sealord, engaged in trawling in the waters around New Zealand and Australia, is a founding member of the Southern Seabird Solutions Trust (Note), which sponsors the Seabird Smart Awards, a program that recognizes fishing companies for their efforts in preventing seabird bycatch. In 2010, Sealord itself received the Seabird Safe Awards 2010 for its vessel, the FV Thomas Harrison. A variety of measures are in place to prevent seabird bycatch, including the following:

  • Using bafflers (like a metal scarecrow) and tori lines (streamers) to scare birds away from lines and trawl nets
  • Trawling at night when fewer birds are around
  • Managing offal onboard to avoid attracting birds to the vessel
  • having a bycatch reduction management plan for every vessel.

(Note) Southern Seabird Solutions Trust: An innovative alliance between the WWF, fishers, and government. Supports and encourages fishers in Southern Ocean fleets to adopt responsible fishing practices and to reduce harm to seabirds around New Zealand caused by fishing by supporting and encouraging the adoption of responsible fishing practices and providing projects that contribute to reducing the impact of fishing on seabirds in Southern Hemisphere fisheries.

[Image] Seabird

Seabird

[Image] Bafflers

Bafflers

[Image] Toriline

Tori lines

[Initiatives at Australian Longline]

Australian Longline, a bottom longline company that operates around Australia, has installed a device called a moonpool on board its vessels. A moonpool is a circular hole in the bottom of a vessel. On longline vessels, reeling in line from these holes reduces the risk of entangling wild birds when compared to working with lines on the deck. This method also has the added benefit of ensuring the safety of seafarers on board.

[image] Moon pool

Moon pool

Initiatives by SeaBOS

SeaBOS member companies, including Nissui, have agreed on policies to reduce the impact of their operations on endangered species. The task force on addressing endangered species has resolved to move forward with efforts to prevent bycatch of endangered species in the fisheries/aquaculture industry, beginning with sharks, rays, and seabirds.

Support for SeaBOS

system, 株式会社ニッスイ サステナビリティ推進部, 外部協力者, 株式会社ニッスイ コーポレートコミュニケーション部, 株式会社ニッスイ 人事部人事課

Partnership with New England Aquarium

Gorton’s has been forming partnership with New England Aquarium (NEAq), Boston MA. USA, to preserve marine environment and secure sustainable marine resources. The partnership started in 2008 when Gorton’s asked evaluation of its seafood products from scientific and sustainable points of view and marked its 14th year in December 2022.

【Picture】NEAq

Along with Monterey Aquarium, NEAq has global knowledge of marine resource research and provides scientific and meaningful advice and support including movement of fishery, aquaculture, fish feed and breeding in the conduct of making efforts to promote sustainable fishery.
In addition, Gorton’s itself developed Sustainability Action Plan, and has been promoting the plan by exchanging opinion with NEAq and implementing progress management by setting KPI.

Based on the strong trust with NEAq until now, Gorton’s, member of the Nissui Group, will make efforts toward sustainable usage of resources and preservation of the environment in a positive manner.

system, 株式会社ニッスイ サステナビリティ推進部, 外部協力者, 株式会社ニッスイ コーポレートコミュニケーション部

Development of a New Fishing Method (PSH) (Sealord Group, Ltd.)

In order to enhance the sustainable use of marine resources, innovations will also need to be made to the methods of fishing. The problems of fishing methods that destroy the marine environment and bycatch, i.e. the incidental capture of non-target species have been raising concern, and the development of fishing methods that cause the minimum amount of damage to living organisms and the environment has become imperative, for the sake of preventing the marine ecosystem from deteriorating.

The Sealord Group, Ltd. (New Zealand), the Nissui Group company, in partnership with major domestic fisheries companies, Aotearoa Fisheries, Ltd. and Sanford, Ltd. and the research institute, Plant & Food Research, Ltd. which studies sustainable agriculture and fisheries business, has successfully developed the PSH (Precision Seafood Harvesting) fishing method, which reduces bycatch and allows the targeted fish to be caught alive.

PSH (Precision Seafood Harvesting) fishing method

The PSH method uses fishing equipment made of flexible PVC which inflates into a tube shape once seawater flows in, allowing fish to be landed live and still swimming, while undersized or smaller species escape through specifically sized holes along the length of the fishing equipment.

Scientific tests have shown that snapper harvested with the PSH system have a 100% chance of survival if they are fished from a depth of 0 to 20 meters. While the survival rates tend to decline with increasing depth, tests have proven that fish caught with the PSH system have better survival rates than those caught using other conventional fishing methods.
Hence, it is believed that the PSH system will be an effective method for studying deep sea organisms and catching fish in the deep depths of the ocean.

The four companies, mentioned above, through repeated trial and error including investigative research over the approximately ten years from the project’s launch in 2005, were finally able to commercialize (practical application) the PSH fishing method in 2016. The Sealord Group, Ltd. is currently expanding the use of the PSH fishing method and making efforts to contribute to the spread of sustainable fishery.

system, 株式会社ニッスイ サステナビリティ推進部, 外部協力者, 株式会社ニッスイ コーポレートコミュニケーション部