Founded in 2006, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization focused on rebuilding depleted fish stocks and reducing the environmental and social impacts of fishing and fish farming. Headquartered in Honolulu, Hawaii, SFP works with some of the largest retailers, seafood buyers, suppliers, and producers across the globe to advance sustainable seafood supply chains through science-based and market-driven solutions.
Core Mission and Focus
SFP does not harvest, trade, or sell seafood. Instead, it operates as a facilitator and catalyst that connects industry stakeholders with fishery improvement efforts and provides scientific and strategic guidance. Its key focus areas include:
- Fishery and Aquaculture Improvement Projects (FIPs and AIPs)
- Supply chain engagement and transparency
- Policy advocacy and fisheries governance
- Ecosystem-based fisheries management
- Data-driven risk assessment tools for fisheries and aquaculture
SFP’s unique approach leverages the influence of the private sector to drive large-scale improvements in global seafood sourcing and environmental stewardship.
Specialization and USP
SFP stands out in the sustainable seafood space through:
- Pre-competitive collaboration platforms: SFP has pioneered Supply Chain Roundtables (SRs), where companies work collectively to support improvements in specific fisheries.
- Science-based tools: Utilizes the FishSource platform—a publicly accessible database offering sustainability assessments of thousands of fisheries worldwide.
- Scalability and data depth: Monitors over 1,700 fisheries representing the majority of global wild seafood production.
- Partnership model: Works directly with leading seafood buyers such as Walmart, Costco, Sysco, and Ahold Delhaize.
These attributes enable SFP to act as a trusted, evidence-backed advisor across all levels of the seafood supply chain.
Impact and Reach
SFP’s operational impact is global in scale, spanning marine and inland fisheries across Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe. Key performance and impact metrics include:
- Over 130 active Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs) globally, covering key commodities like shrimp, tuna, squid, crab, whitefish, and small pelagics.
- More than 90% of SFP’s partner seafood volume comes from fisheries or farms involved in improvement efforts.
- FIPs supported by SFP have led to:
- Reductions in bycatch
- Improved fisheries management practices
- Transition to sustainable certification for numerous fisheries
These improvements are measured using independent benchmarks such as Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch criteria.
Target Stakeholders
SFP collaborates with a diverse set of partners:
- Seafood buyers and retailers looking to de-risk their supply chains and align with ESG goals
- Fishers and producers needing guidance to reach sustainability benchmarks
- NGOs and environmental coalitions working on marine conservation
- Government agencies and regulators involved in fisheries governance and reform
- Financial institutions and foundations funding sustainable development initiatives
By engaging stakeholders from all points in the supply chain, SFP fosters system-wide impact.
Capabilities
SFP’s technical and strategic capabilities include:
- Supply chain mapping for transparency and traceability
- Sustainability risk assessments via FishSource and AIP Directory
- Design and facilitation of FIPs and AIPs
- Policy and regulatory engagement support
- Training and capacity-building for local communities and fishers
The organization employs fisheries scientists, policy analysts, and data specialists who work collaboratively with private and public sector partners worldwide.
Certifications and Compliance
SFP itself is not a certification body but works to align improvement projects with:
- Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)
- Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC)
- Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP)
- Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) benchmarks
SFP acts as a bridge between on-the-ground improvements and international certification pathways, promoting legitimacy and credibility in sourcing claims.
Stakeholder Feedback and Recognition
SFP is widely recognized within the industry for its leadership and effectiveness:
- Named in the Top 100 NGOs by The Global Journal
- Lauded by partners like Walmart and Sysco for helping them meet sustainability commitments
- Featured in global forums including the Seafood Expo North America, Our Ocean Conference, and United Nations Ocean Summits
- Frequently cited in sustainability reports by major seafood retailers and foodservice providers
The transparency and evidence-based methodology of SFP make it a valued and respected entity in the sustainable seafood ecosystem.
Achievements and Recognition
- Instrumental in the creation of FIP standards and definitions, now widely adopted globally
- Developed and maintains FishSource, the world’s leading public database on fishery sustainability
- Helped catalyze MSC certification for multiple fisheries previously operating at unsustainable levels
- Actively collaborates with over 100 seafood companies and dozens of NGOs worldwide
- Contributed to national fisheries policy reforms in several countries, including Indonesia, the Philippines, and Ecuador
Sustainable Fisheries Partnership continues to lead the way in transforming seafood production and sourcing, ensuring a more resilient ocean ecosystem and a secure food future for generations to come.