The Global Squid Supply Chain Roundtable (SR) is a combination of two former SRs, one covering Asia-Pacific and the other covering South American squid fisheries. The merge took effect in March 2017, following a joint SR meeting at Seafood Expo North America in Boston.
Both SRs were initiated by European squid importers and buyers, along with North American importers and buyers for the Asia-Pacific region, who recognized that addressing many of the sustainability challenges found in the world’s squid fisheries would require a collaborative, pre-competitive approach from industry stakeholders.
Early efforts focused on the Chinese mitre squid, Japanese flying squid, and Peruvian jumbo flying squid fisheries, as these were important fisheries to many of the initial SR members. Participating importers and buyers were able to engage with and communicate to their Chinese and Peruvian domestic suppliers and national fishing authorities in both countries regarding the importance of sustainability to the global market.
While initial SR efforts were focused on promoting fishery improvement projects (FIPs) in these specific squid fisheries, some companies participated in SR meetings despite having no association with the fisheries. These companies hope to take lessons learned from this experience and apply them to other squid fisheries in the region, once the SR has developed a first assessment of these fisheries (through FishSource profiles) and the SR’s efforts expand.
The most recent T75 sector update report for squid was released in early 2019 and details the state of the sector. According to the report’s findings, 14 percent of the global production is currently considered sustainable or improving, up from 0.03 percent in the 2017 T75 squid sector report. The US Northeast Longfin Inshore Squid Bottom Trawl Fishery became the first squid fishery to achieve MSC certification.
It is possible that existing supply chain leverage and interest may be able to influence more than 57 percent of global production. The key to reaching T75 is engaging Chinese and South Korean fisheries operating in the international waters off South America. The industry can accomplish this through demand from some markets already engaged in sustainability, engaging the markets where those products end up, and creating demand for sustainable products from new markets.
Fisheries and/or FIPs Covered:
At present, the roundtable focuses on a number of squid fisheries found worldwide. Please find an overview of all T75 relevant fisheries, including those currently not prioritized by the SR, here.
The following FIPs are supported and monitored:
We are seeking additional SR participants particularly in the Asia-Pacific region and in South America.
*Denotes T75 Champion
Progress Update
A summary of past progress can be found in the SR Chronicles.
Improvement Needs
Asia-Pacific
South America
Current Objectives
In general, the Global Squid Supply Chain Roundtable (SR) objectives focus on monitoring sustainability status and issues relating to the region’s squid fisheries, engaging supply chains and local producers in fishery improvement efforts, and monitoring the progress of current squid FIP efforts toward long-term sustainability of squid in domestic and international markets. Additionally, objectives in 2021 will include formalization of the SR through efforts such as piloting an Industry Chair role, exploring funding mechanisms, bylaws, participation requirements, etc.
In South America, the SR has the following overall goals:
In particular, objectives through the end of 2021 are as follows:
Action Recommendations for Suppliers
If you would like more information about the Supply Chain Roundtable or wish to support it, please contact Sam Grimley or Pedro Ferreiro.
Quarterly Global Squid SR Update – July to September 2020
This briefing provides an update on progress, activities, and news in the areas of interest to the SR. It also indicates any actions and further support needed. The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the global squid sector and delayed progress on a number of initiatives. The following captures what was presented to the SR participants at the annual SR meeting in June 2020:
1. Improvements in SR Target 75 priority fisheries
Please find an overview of fisheries identified in the T75 Squid Sector Report, including those currently not necessarily prioritized by the SR, here.
Peruvian Jumbo Flying Squid FIP
Update: Twenty-two companies signed the letter of support for the Peruvian JFS FIP, requesting proactive engagement in formalization of the Peruvian fleet. The aim is to publicly publish the letter, preferably by industry itself, for greater impact on the ministry. The Ministry of Tourism will receive a copy the letter, among others, since they are in charge of exports monitoring.
Further support needed: SR participants to engage vendors to participate in funding the FIP and join CAPECAL.
Chile Jumbo Flying Squid
Update: The pre-assessment was presented to La Coordinadora Nacional de Jibieros.
Further support needed: If you are sourcing from Chile, encourage your suppliers to express support for the Chile Jumbo Flying Squid FIP to La Coordinadora. For more details contact Renato Gozzer.
Argentine Shortfin Squid
Update: A consultant has been hired. The pre-assessment was conducted, and results will be presented in October to CAPA.
Further support needed: SR participants express support for FIP initiation and CAPA efforts. Contact Pedro Ferreiro for more information.
India Squid, India Kerala Shrimp and Cephalopods FIP - trawl
Update: No recent updates provided. Progress updates on this FIP can be found here.
Further support needed: We encourage any interested companies to contact Vinod Malayilethu for more information.
2. Support to established FIPs and improvement efforts
Please find an overview of all existing FIPs and improvement efforts, their current progress rating, and status here.
3. Support for mitigation of overarching fishery/FIP sustainability issues
Relevant News: SFP is working on a draft statement of intent for the IUU working group and a longer-term strategy document on an IUU approach. Three companies confirmed their intent to join the IUU working group.
Further support needed: Please contact Renato Gozzer at SFP for more information.
4. Expansion of the SR
There has been limited success in engaging buyers of squid from Indonesia and Thailand, or South Korean and Chinese fisheries (in their own EEZ and overseas). SFP will continue to work with SR participants to engage supply chains in these countries.
Further support needed: Connect any relevant South Korean or Chinese companies with SFP.