Qingdao, China – In partnership with the China Aquatic Products Processing and Marketing Association (CAPPMA), Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) organized Fish for Future Forum 2025 during the 28th China International Fisheries Expo. More than 200 representatives from fisheries, processors, retailers, NGOs and government agencies attended the Forum, which explored “Symbiotic Collaboration: Global Practices in Sustainable Seafood and China’s Opportunities.”
China’s Expanding Role in Global Sustainable Seafood
CAPPMA President Cui He emphasised China’s strategic responsibility and opportunity in contributing to sustainable global seafood trade:
“Sustainability has become the core of global seafood trade. We will continue to prioritise high-quality fisheries development, international trade cooperation and standardisation, supporting the implementation of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan for Fisheries and contributing Chinese efforts to global sustainable fisheries.”
Global Momentum for Sustainable Fisheries
Providing an update on global progress, Camiel Derichs, MSC Programme Development Director, highlighted the continued expansion of certified sustainable fisheries around the world: As of October 2025, 744 fisheries worldwide are participating in MSC programmes. The associated catch accounts for 20.6% of the global wild marine catch. Demand for certified sustainable products is rising across new categories, including fish oil supplements, pet food, and canned seafood.
“Markets are evolving rapidly,” Derichs said. “We are seeing sustained growth not only in traditional seafood categories but across new product segments that rely on wild capture fisheries. These trends illustrate a growing recognition that sustainable sourcing underpins long-term supply security.”
Industry Commitment to Sustainable Growth
During the forum, METRO China has announced a major step forward in its sustainable seafood sourcing strategy. Yu Junxian, General Manager of Product Development & Import at METRO Commerce Group, outlined the company’s strengthened commitment to responsible sourcing:
“METRO plans to ensure all wild-caught seafood under its private brand comes from MSC-certified fisheries by 2026. We believe responsible procurement is essential to long-term business resilience, consumer trust and the health of our oceans.”
The commitment marks one of the most ambitious targets set by a major retailer operating in the Chinese market and reflects growing consumer interest in sustainability and transparency.
Global Fishery Frontier Trends and Development Experiences
Speakers from Simplot Australia and the Fishing Industry Association of Papua New Guinea (FIA PNG) provided further insights into global best practice, traceability innovation, and the importance of long-term partnerships between fisheries, processors and brands.
A panel discussion on “Challenges and Innovative Opportunities in the Seafood Products Market” brought together industry leaders who agreed that China’s seafood industry is shifting from scale-driven growth to an approach centred on quality, responsibility and long-term resilience.
MSC Presence at the China International Fisheries Expo
Throughout the Expo, the MSC hosted a dedicated stand and delivered presentations at several partner events, including the Canada Seafood Summit.
An Yan, MSC China Representative, highlighted the importance of collective action:
“The blue of the ocean and the future of the industry depend on choices made at every link in the supply chain. Collaboration between retailers, fisheries, governments and consumers is essential to safeguarding healthy oceans.”