ASC Reflections on UNOC: The Promise of Oceans and the Pathway Through Sustainable Aquaculture

“Oceans unite us,” stated Bertrand Charron, ASC’s Global Research and Insights Director, following his participation at the recent United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice. He highlighted the potential of oceans as a source of hope and opportunity for the future. “They offer a future full of opportunity – if we act now,” he asserted, emphasizing the critical role of transparency, engagement, and credible performance data in transforming food systems and safeguarding biodiversity.

Key Participation at UNOC

ASC’s engagement at UNOC was of significant importance, culminating in Bertrand’s invitation to address the UN Ocean Action Panel 9. Representing both ASC and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP), he advocated for sustainable ocean food solutions to combat poverty and hunger. He showcased a collaborative initiative in India that serves as a model for integrated, multi-stakeholder approaches.

Read the full speech here.

Insights from the Blue Economy and Finance Forum

Earlier in the week, Bertrand also contributed to the Blue Economy and Finance Forum (BEFF), where leaders from government, finance, and philanthropy convened to hasten sustainable ocean investments. “A key takeaway from BEFF was the urgent need for robust data to inform decision-making,” he remarked. “Transparency builds trust—and trust drives investment.”

Ray Dhirani, ASC/MSC Head of Capital Markets Outreach, echoed this sentiment, stating, “While some headline commitments were modest, we saw encouraging innovation from leading financiers, especially in emerging markets. There’s momentum—we must seize it.”

Scaling Blue Finance for Sustainable Goals

A recurring theme at UNOC was the pressing necessity to amplify blue finance. Investors are eager to engage but require reliable Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) data and metrics to assess risk and impact, an area where ASC excels.

ASC’s global certification program delivers verified performance data regarding aquaculture’s social and environmental impacts, promoting traceability, credible sustainability reporting, and de-risking investment opportunities. This essential role is increasingly acknowledged by global organizations such as the World Bank and initiatives like the Ocean Investment Protocol (OIP) and Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD).

A Landmark in Ocean Finance

Bertrand remarked, “The OIP is a landmark in ocean finance,” adding that it offers vital guidance for unlocking sustainable investments. ASC is prepared to assist with the necessary data and insights to foster trust in the blue economy.

Integrating Aquaculture in Climate Solutions

In parallel, Ola Luthman, ASC Climate Change Coordinator, participated in the One Oceans Science Congress, highlighting the under-representation of aquaculture at the event. “Though the voices of aquaculture producers and the fishing industry were notably absent, the conference recognized the potential of aquaculture in climate adaptation and coastal resilience when executed with careful ecosystem integration,” he noted.

Furthermore, he pointed out that governance structures must evolve beyond traditional top-down policies, a change that is essential for aquaculture, which often grapples with conflicting resources and fragmented governance.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

In a time marked by urgency and opportunity, ASC is at the forefront of driving systemic changes in ocean stewardship. Our involvement in UNOC underscored a vital message: responsible aquaculture is essential for the future. With strong leadership, data-driven transparency, and bold collaborations, we can catalyze blue finance, transform global food systems, and ensure a thriving ocean future for all. The momentum is palpable. Now is the moment to lead with purpose, invest with confidence, and act decisively.