International Coalition of Fisheries Associations Panel at Seafood Expo Global to Address Biodiversity and Global Food Security

Reston, Virginia – The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) will host a panel discussion at Seafood Expo Global on Tuesday, April 21, from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. local time at the FIRA Barcelona Gran Via Venue.

Titled “Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) and Global Food Security,” the panel will explore how biodiversity conservation and seafood production can be advanced in tandem—and why balanced implementation of the BBNJ Agreement is essential to protecting both marine ecosystems and global food security.

Featured Panelists Include:

• Audun Lem, Chairperson of the International Board, Fisheries Transparency Initiative 
• Ivan López Van der Veen, ICFA Chair and Vice President of the Spanish Fisheries Confederation (CEPESCA) 
• Lisa Wallenda Picard, President and CEO of National Fisheries Institute (USA) 
• John Jankovich-Bésán, Chair of the Harvest Sector CEO Council 

The discussion will be moderated by Chris Chase, Executive Editor at SeafoodSource.

ICFA represents the global fishing industry and advocates for sustainable fisheries management and responsible ocean governance. Through its broad international membership spanning six continents, ICFA works with governments and stakeholders worldwide to advance policies that support healthy oceans, resilient fisheries, and secure food systems.

“The twin objectives of the BBNJ Agreement are conservation and sustainable use,” said ICFA Chair Ivan López Van der Veen. “Sustainable seafood is essential to global food security and nutrition, and meeting growing global demand will require more sustainably produced seafood. The health, livelihoods, and economic well-being of millions around the world depend on a thriving seafood sector.”

Attendees are invited to join industry leaders for this timely discussion on one of the most consequential emerging issues facing the global seafood sector.

Since 1988 the International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) has been a unified seafood policy voice committed to the sustainable use of marine resources and dedicated to global food security. For more information, please visit www.fishcoalition.org