Saving Seafood

GHISLAINE LLEWELLYN & VICKY W.Y. LAM: Blue food on the policy menu

February 1, 2021 — Ghislaine Llewellyn is the deputy oceans leader for WWF International, and Vicky W.Y. Lam is a research associate at the University of British Columbia’s Institute for Oceans and Fisheries.

Food and nutrition are enjoying a deserved turn in the spotlight, with at least a dozen high-level meetings this year where food systems are on the table for discussion.

“Blue food” describes fish and other food from the ocean and inland waters. This category spans luxury comestibles like bluefin tuna and humble edible algae such as sea grapes. It contributes to nutritional security, is a source of micronutrients, and can be a shelf-stable, fresh, or frozen source of protein.

Read the full opinion piece at Seafood Source

UN committee begins work on high seas biodiversity pact

April 13, 2016 — The first session of a preparatory committee tasked with elaborating draft elements for an international, legally binding instrument on marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction started unpacking several key topics with an eye on practical advancement, according to reports from the 28 March – 8 April meeting.

During the session, held at UN headquarters in New York, many delegations moved past debates on the usefulness of a new instrument that have stalled previous efforts, according to Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB). They instead began detailed exchanges on “how” to put such an instrument in place, given the pressures facing today’s complex marine and environmental governance landscape.

Discussion included consideration of the new instrument’s relationship with existing tools and bodies, guiding principles and approaches, marine genetic resources, environmental impact assessments, capacity building, and technology transfer, among other things.

“The constructive discussion and active participation in the room on all elements of the package bode well for the next PrepCom session,” said Jessica Battle, Marine Manager, WWF International, at the close of the talks last week.

Read the full story at the International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development