The global increase in demand for seafood coupled with an increase in the number of fisheries poorly managed, overfished, or negatively affected by illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, poses a significant threat to the sustainability of fish stocks, ocean biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions of fishermen and women across the world.
To solve these pressing issues in the seafood sector, engagement between stakeholders to establish fishery management strategies (co-management) is essential. Co-management has been demonstrated in several countries and contexts to be an effective governance mechanism to improve the sustainability of fisheries, and is at the heart of the Global Marine Commodities Project (GMC). GMC is an interregional initiative implemented by the Ministries and Bureaus of Fisheries and Planning of Costa Rica, Ecuador, Indonesia and Philippines, with technical support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), facilitated by the Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP) and funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).
The GMC Project contributes to improve the seafood sector by mainstreaming sustainability in the value chain of fishery commodities from developing countries.
This is done by:
1) creating dialogue roundtables (platforms) for improved fishery governance, and
2) engaging international seafood market players to drive changes in target fisheries towards sustainability.
Dialogue roundtables for sustainable fisheries
By adapting the methodology of the UNDP-Green Commodities Programme to the seafood value chain, the GMC project designs Sustainable Marine Commodity Platforms (“national platforms”) and develops national capacities for effective co-management of target fisheries.
National platforms bring together government, fishers, civil society, private sector and other key stakeholders in participatory dialogue to identify and tackle the root causes that impede the sustainable management of target fisheries. Ultimately, the national platforms will support the adoption of National Action Plans to improve fishery management.
Lessons learned, new knowledge and best practices generated from the implementation of national platforms will be shared globally to encourage replication in other countries.
The project’s public-private partnership model for funding the implementation of National Action Plans and Fishery Improvement Projects has generated rich synergies among the industrial and artisanal sector, civil society, development partners and fishery management authorities.
Opening Doors to International Markets
The global sustainable seafood market is rapidly growing as consumers become increasingly aware of overfishing and poor labor practices in the sector. According to a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) consumer survey conducted in 2016 in the world’s principal seafood market countries (US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, Japan and China) the demand for sustainable seafood is rising and seafood retailers and supply chain actors are taking note.
72% of seafood consumers agree that shoppers should only consume seafood from sustainable sources, and 54% said they are prepared to pay more for a certified sustainable seafood product.
To meet this increasing demand, eco-labelling schemes (such as the MSC and International Fishmeal and Fish Oil Organization [IFFO]) provide consumer assurance that seafood products meet sustainability and social responsibility criteria.
The GMC project leverages the economic incentives of eco-labelling mechanisms to engage the private sector in committing to actively improve the sustainability of target fisheries. GMC implementing partner, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), leads this component of the project. SFP facilitates the development of Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs), promotes sustainable sourcing among major importers and retailers, and helps target fisheries gain access to international markets willing to prioritize purchasing sustainable seafood products.
“Sustainable certifications ensure transparent practices, including making sure the catch is legal and the fishing methods will not quickly deplete the stock.” – Marine Stewardship Council
For more information on this project, please contact Ana María Nuñez or Diego Orellana, or visit the project website.
© 2026 IW:LEARN
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