Seafood lovers may not realise it, but what ends up on their plates is increasingly influenced by decisions being made on the global finance stage.
And for investors, sustainability in seafood farming is becoming more than a buzzword – it is a bottom-line issue.
Ray Dhirani, head of Capital Markets Outreach at the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), says responsible aquaculture is finally catching the attention of serious capital. “Investors want to fund sustainable ocean projects,” he explains. “But they need clear rules and trusted standards to de-risk those decisions.”
At high-profile gatherings like the UN Ocean Conference and Blue Economy & Finance Forum, Dhirani noted encouraging progress, particularly in emerging markets. Still, ocean investment remains vastly underfunded with just $10 billion pledged so far this year, compared to the $175 billion needed annually.
That’s where certifications like ASC step in. “The ASC label helps investors know a seafood business is serious about sustainability,” Dhirani says. With global frameworks such as the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures now referencing ASC, the standard is gaining recognition beyond environmental circles.
Failing to adapt, he warns, can carry financial risk. “The regulatory picture is changing rapidly. Investors increasingly want verified, science-aligned impact.”
Not every farm is ready for certification. That’s why ASC also runs an Improver Programme to support progress. “Impact investors understand that transition takes time, but there needs to be a credible path,” Dhirani adds.
Despite slow progress overall, Dhirani remains optimistic. “We’re seeing innovation – especially through blended finance – in regions that need it most. The smart money is beginning to flow toward sustainable seafood.”
