Following the success of the Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) in the UK, a similar initiative will be launched in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Sustainable Seafood Coalition (HKSSC) has brought together suppliers, buyers, restaurants, hotels and retail outlets to promote seafood sustainability and address concerns over Illegal, unregulated and unreported fish products in the supply chain.
While the Hong Kong coalition is unaffiliated with the original, ClientEarth, as secretariat to the UK SSC, provided expertise to help launch the new venture.
Benjamin So, chair of the HKSSC said that the establishment of the coalition serves a three-fold purpose. “Firstly, as users of a critical natural resource, we have a duty to ensure its responsible use.
"In addition, by adopting the HKSSC code of conduct, members can address the increasing concern among Hong Kong consumers regarding the sustainability of marine populations. Last but not least, collective industry action will bring greater commercial certainty to the seafood business.”
Oliver Tanqueray from the SSC in the UK said: “Seeing the Sustainable Seafood Coalition model adapted for a market on the other side of the world is a vote of confidence in the model’s effectiveness and its ability to be replicated internationally.
“We hope other seafood industries sit up and take notice. If you want to see a pre-competitive collaboration in your region, it’s time to get in touch.”
