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Why my work in sustainable seafood and coastal communities inspired me to build something new I did not set out to start a coastal lifestyle brand. I set out to understand how seafood supply chains could do better—for the ocean, for producers, and for the people whose lives and livelihoods

Expanding seafood traceability requires stronger foundations After 16 years working in seafood sustainability, I left last week’s Conservation Alliance for Seafood Solutions conference with a question that keeps coming back: how much more can we ask supply chains to report before we invest enough in their ability to deliver? The

Have We Built Human Rights Due Diligence Around Producers—or Around Ourselves? Over the past decade, significant resources have been invested in building the human rights due diligence ecosystem. In response to growing expectations from regulators, investors, retailers, NGOs, and civil society, companies now have access to audits, standards, certification programs,

Written by Jamie Padilla, Director of Strategic Engagement, FishChoice In conversations about labor and human rights in global supply chains, there’s a familiar rhythm. We define expectations, interrogate accountability, and look for proof. We ask whether companies are doing the right thing. The conversation moves quickly to what should happen, how

If there’s one thing I took away from SENA this year—and from my experience working across companies and producing regions—it’s this: We are not lacking awareness. We are lacking execution. And I’m going to say something that might make people uncomfortable: NGOs are not going to save this industry. They

A new document was introduced by the Fisheries Governance Project during SENA this year:  “Defining Corporate Duties in Seafood Supply Chains to Prevent IUU Fishing & Labor Rights Abuse on Industrial Fishing Vessels.” It brings together environmental and labor expectations into a consolidated framework—something our industry could find helpful. There is

The conversation around animal welfare in seafood is gaining momentum—and not just in one corner of the world. What started as a scientific and policy-driven discussion in parts of Europe is now making its way across global supply chains, landing squarely in front of U.S. companies, retailers, and importers. And

If you’ve been around my world for a minute, you know I love Sticker Mule. They’ve printed my stickers, my pins, packaging bags, and yes — even my packaging tape. Easy, fast, quality… chef’s kiss. Now they’ve launched GIVE, and honestly? It’s one of those tools that makes you say,

At the 2025 Responsible Seafood Summit, something new happened — for the first time, a main-stage session was held entirely in Spanish. But it wasn’t just about language. It was about perspective. It was about finally hearing directly from producers, exporters, and advocates from Latin America and the Caribbean —

We recently went through the process of completing CDP reporting, and let me tell you—it was rough. Not because the idea behind it is bad (it’s well-intentioned and pushes companies to improve), but because the actual onboarding process sets companies up to stumble rather than succeed. Here’s why: 1. One-time

It happens like clockwork (and daily). Someone in our industry (and their brand platform) are spreading lies, harassing colleagues, or tossing out thinly veiled threats, and when they get called on it? Suddenly, they’re clutching the First Amendment like it’s their personal security blanket. “Freedom of speech!” they cry. No,

We’ve gotten used to Googling potential hires, checking LinkedIn for endorsements, and scanning social media to make sure their values align with ours. But here’s the truth: brands have digital footprints too—and buyers, investors, and partners need to start screening them just as critically. In an era where trust is