Stewardship of natural resources is based on the understanding that transforming how we govern the planet is pivotal to creating more prosperous and equitable societies. In the context of seafood, stewardship translates into an approach to governance that goes beyond merely complying with regulations and includes an environmentally sustainable approach to sourcing. The future of aquaculture rests entirely on the existence of healthy fish populations and marine ecosystems.

The paper reviews the historical development of private seafood governance and stewardship over the past 50 years. The authors examine several emerging trends within the seafood industry and argue that a more robust approach to ocean stewardship is urgently needed.