Annual Report 2024
Øyvind Ihle
Chief Executive Officer
A message from our CEO
Dear Partners, Colleagues, and Friends,
What a year it has been. As I look back on 2024, I’m reminded of the incredible momentum we’ve built together. Across the seafood industry, we’re seeing a shift—toward greater transparency, stronger collaboration, and real measurable impact. And at the heart of it all is GSSI’s global network of Partners, working together to make responsible seafood the norm.
This year, our work took us across the world. From Boston to Vigo, we were in the room for some of the most important conversations shaping the future of seafood. We welcomed six new partners who share our vision, and we strengthened key collaborations—aligning with the UN FAO, advancing benchmarking, and launching new tools like the GSSI Partner Portal to better support our industry.
But beyond the milestones and numbers, what stands out most to me are the people behind this work. The energy at events, the discussions over coffee breaks, the shared commitment to progress—it’s clear that this is not just about standards and policies. It’s about the people and businesses driving real change in the way seafood is sourced, produced, and consumed.
As we head into 2025, I want to thank each of you—our Partners, colleagues, and friends—for being part of this journey. There is still much to do, but if this year has shown us anything, it’s that progress happens when we navigate sustainability together.
Let’s keep moving forward.
2024
in Numbers
events attended
new Partners
recognized Schemes
Linkedin followers
In 2024,
GSSI welcomed 6 new Partners on board.
our
Global Network
GSSI shines a light on the change-makers of the industry through our Spotlight Series, to accelerate the push for more sustainable seafood.
Check out our latest Episodes!
Episode 9
Behind the Smoke
Building a Sustainable Future at Acme Smoked Fish
Episode 8
Responsible Tourism
Iberostar’s Pioneering Role in Sustainable Hospitality and Seafood
Episode 7
Building Trust in Social Compliance
Building a Sustainable Future at Acme Smoked Fish
Setting the Standard
The Global
Benchmark Tool
7 Recognized Schemes
Underpinned by the FAO Guidelines, GSSI’s Global Benchmark Tool provides formal recognition of seafood certification schemes that successfully complete a rigorous and transparent benchmark process.
7 schemes have successfully completed the full GSSI Benchmark Process.
Source sustainably with less effort
“Our criteria for the responsible sourcing of fish: Certification in accordance with one of our recognised standards […] and further by GSSI recognised standards.”
Partner Perspective
Why is GSSI’s Global Benchmark Tool important to Mowi, and how does it support your sustainability goals?
“At Mowi, we recognize the importance of global alignment in seafood sustainability. GSSI’s Global Benchmark Tool plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency, credibility, and consistency across certification schemes, helping drive positive change in the industry.
As part of our commitment to responsible sourcing, we aim to have 100% of our production volume certified to GSSI-recognized standards, reinforcing our dedication to sustainable seafood production and continuous improvement.”
GSSI & the UN FAO
A Shared Vision
Globally Endorsed, Internationally Trusted
The GSSI Benchmark Tool is built on globally accepted guidelines developed through international collaboration. These guidelines were created by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, a founding partner of GSSI and a leading force in the global fight against hunger.
With support from the FAO, GSSI developed a common benchmark for seafood certification schemes based on three key instruments:
- The FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries
- The FAO Guidelines for the Ecolabelling of Fish and Fishery Products from Marine and Inland Capture Fisheries
- The FAO Technical Guidelines on Aquaculture Certification
All of these have been endorsed by the Committee on Fisheries (COFI), representing a global consensus among nations. They serve as internationally recognized standards for responsible fisheries and ecolabelling, ensuring that the GSSI Benchmark Tool reflects the best practices shaped by countries working together toward a sustainable future.
Supporting the Global Agenda
- GSSI actively engaged with FAO-led discussions and initiatives in 2024, including the 36th COFI Meeting, where key decisions on fisheries and aquaculture sustainability were made.
- During the COFI36 gathering, GSSI together with PNG Fishing Industry Association and the FAO, hosted a Speaker’s Corner Session. The session focused on how we can use the power of pre-competitive partnerships to drive forward the blue transformation and promote the achievement of the UN SDGs. (photo)
- GSSI offers its Partners a valuable and unique chance to become part of the global agenda. From joining meetings to providing input on upcoming guidelines, these engagements help strengthen the integration of private-sector efforts with global sustainability goals.
Words from
our Partners
Thoughts from Nianjun Shen, Senior Fishery Officer at the UN FAO & GSSI Steering Board Member
FAO and GSSI have worked closely together over the years. From your perspective, why is this collaboration so important?
At the FAO, our mission is to support sustainable fisheries and aquaculture at a global level, ensuring that seafood production remains responsible, resilient, and beneficial to both people and the planet. GSSI plays a key role in this by providing a global benchmark for credible certification schemes, which helps drive alignment with FAO’s internationally recognized guidelines.
This collaboration is important because it builds trust and consistency in the seafood sector. By ensuring that certification schemes are grounded in science-based principles and best practices, we help businesses and policymakers make informed decisions. It’s about creating a level playing field—where sustainability commitments are transparent, credible, and aligned with global standards.
On the
global stage
Seafood Expo North America
“Boston is always a great opportunity to connect with both existing and potential Partners. The energy around sustainability felt very strong, and it was great to see how businesses are prioritizing credible certification. GSSI’s role in bringing transparency and alignment to the seafood industry was a key part of our discussions, and we’re excited about the collaborations ahead.”
Basile Fisher
GSSI’s Partnership Manager
AquaExpo
Laura made a panel appearance at AquaExpo Guayaquil 2024 during the “Scaling Up Best Practices” session of Race To The Top which showcased expert insights into enhancing shrimp farming performance – driving balanced and responsible growth across the industry while also including small-scale sector.
Global Sustainable Seafood Galicia Forum
Oyvind took to the stage in Vigo. During the Galicia Forum, GSSI hosted its annual Partner Meeting. It is always refreshing to connect face to face with so many of our Partners.
Seafood Expo Global
What we took away
- Discussions emphasized sustainability, aquaculture advancements, labor issues, artificial intelligence, and traceability within the seafood industry.
IFFO Annual Conference
Oyvind represented GSSI at the IFFO Annual Conference. The conference offered a valuable opportunity to collaborate with industry leaders in the feed sector. During the conference, Oyvind spoke at the MarinTrust side event about how certification goes beyond market access – supporting risk reduction, operational excellence, and brand loyalty.
UNIDO Expert Group Meeting on Blue Industry
What we took away
- Inclusive governance is essential for sustainability and equity
- Public-private partnerships drives innovation
- Regional collaboration can create successful solutions that can be replicated globally.
Global Shrimp Forum
Georgia and Oyvind attended the Global Shrimp Forum in Utrecht and made some great new connections!
GSA Responsible Seafood Summit
What we took away
- Industry leaders are advocainge for credible standards and transparent, equitable practices across the seafood sector.Public-private partnerships drives innovation
- Collaboration across the entire value chain is essential to promote and implement sustainability practices.
Digital Marketing World Forum
“Attending DMWF was a great opportunity to explore the latest trends in digital engagement and storytelling. As GSSI continues to grow its global presence, finding new and creative ways to connect with our audience is more important than ever. It was inspiring to see how brands are using digital tools to drive impact, and I’m excited to bring fresh ideas into our work.”
April Blackwood
GSSI’s Branding & Communications Manager
Innovating for the Future
GSSI – Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) Technical Working Group
In 2024, GSSI and the Sustainable Supply Chain Initiative (SSCI) took an important step toward improving social responsibility in the seafood sector by launching a new Technical Working Group. With input from stakeholders and industry partners, the group aims to identify and develop solutions to mitigate risks and improve working conditions, and ethical business practices across global seafood supply chains at sea and ashore.
Launched in 2025, the Technical Working Group brings together 15+ experts to drive progress on key social issues such as transparency, traceability, and the integration of labor rights into certification standards. The group will also address growing demands from retailers for human rights due diligence (HRDD) throughout the value chain, proactively identify issues and work on tools to support this effort.
A key focus will be developing best practices that member companies and supporting organizations can adopt within their own operations. The group will also engage with all relevant stakeholders to present and gather feedback on its work, ensuring a wide range of voices are heard and included in the development of practical, impactful solutions.
“By combining expertise
from the seafood
and consumer goods
industries, we’re enhancing
transparency and
accountability in sourcing
practices. Collaborative
efforts, like these, to
address challenges in the
seafood sector are vital
to driving responsible,
sustainable change.”
Didier Bergeret
Sustainability Director
The Consumer Goods Forum
Seafood MAP
GSSI has made significant strides in advancing the Seafood MAP implementation plan. As we move forward, the GSSI Steering Board is actively exploring potential pathways to ensure a successful rollout, focusing on strengthening industry engagement and collaboration.
By aligning with global sustainability priorities and fostering innovation, GSSI aims to position Seafood MAP as a key tool for driving positive change in the seafood sector. Moving forward, we remain committed to providing transparent, practical solutions that support responsible seafood production and drive measurable impact across the industry.
Stay informed by visiting the
Animal Health & Welfare in Aquaculture
Animal health & welfare in aquaculture is an area of increasing concern for our Partners. In response, a landscape mapping initiative was launched in 2024 to better understand how animal welfare is currently addressed across aquaculture standards and published guidelines, including those from international organizations and sourcing policies.
More updates on this important topic will be shared in 2025
Governance
GSSI
Steering Board Members
Adriana Sanchez, Seafood Delight
Angel Matamoro, Group Nueva Pescanova
Annika Mackensen, GIZ
Elizabeth Claridge, Ahold Delhaize
Fridrik Fridiksson, Brim
Gert Le Roux, Woolworths
Han Han, China Blue Sustainability Institute
Ingrid Kelling (Co-Chair), University of Herriott-Watt
Kelley Bell, FishWise
Lisa van Wageningen, IDH Trade
Marcelo Hidalgo, FIA PNG
Matt Thompson, New England Aquarium
Nianjun Shen, FAO
Sévrine Bethy, Sodexo
Trent Hartill (Co-Chair), American Seafoods
GSSI
Secretariat
April Blackwood
Branding & Communications Manager
Basile Fischer
Outreach and Partnership Manager
Dorine Witvoet
Office Manager
Georgia Armitage
Benchmark Manager
Laura del Castillo Munera
SDG Impact Manager
Oyvind Ihle
Chief Executive Officer
Looking Ahead
Looking back at 2024, one thing stands out—when we work together, real progress happens. This year, we connected with Partners, aligned on our goals, and engaged in important conversations that are shaping the future of responsible seafood.
But the work doesn’t stop here. As we move forward, GSSI will keep bringing people together, strengthening trust in certification, and making it easier for businesses to choose sustainability. We’ll keep listening, learning, and adapting—because navigating sustainability isn’t about finding a single path, it’s about moving forward together.
Thank you for being part of this journey so far and let’s see how far we can take sustainable seafood!
