21 July 2022

SSC Members’ Meeting minutes

Minutes for the Sustainable Seafood Coalition members’ meeting which took place on 21 July 2022. The purpose of the meeting was: to reflect on various developments in legal obligations, consumer attitudes and industry best-practice, specifically in the areas of consumer law, environmental claims, due diligence legislation and social responsibility; to consider to what extent these developments necessitate updates to the SSC Codes of Conduct in line with SSC Aim 2.

10 February 2021

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Meeting Minutes

Minutes for the Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) members’ meeting which took place online on 10 Feb 2021. The purposes of the meeting were: To update members on SSC growth, finances and the work of the SSC Steering Group and SSC Feed Working Group; to share perspectives on the SSC’s strategic priorities; to hear from the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability and consider updates to the SSC’s traceability commitments; to hear from the Seafood Ethics Action Alliance and consider updates to the SSC’s social responsibility commitments.

10 December 2020

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the SSC’s ‘Responsibly Fed’ meeting held on 10th December 2020. The intentions of the meeting were: To discuss responsible feed for aquaculture, and potential SSC activities to support members and prompt wider industry action on the responsible sourcing of fish feed. To learn from each other’s perspectives, to start to define the scope of SSC activities in this area and to understand how our role intersects with those of other organisations and initiatives.

20 November 2019

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ Meeting which took place in London on 20 November 2019. Agenda items were: Horizon scanning of wider environmental issues; Implementation report planning; Online discussion platform; Advocacy-based improvements; Business engagement with ratings programmes.

21 March 2019

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ Meeting which took place in London on 21 March 2019. Agenda items were: SSC structure & option for a steering committee; Agree direction for the proposed SSC consultancy model; Discuss option to host member sourcing policies on SSC website; Review of OpenSeas engagement & direction on how to respond to similar enquiries in future; Update on Risk Assessment Resource Sharing Project; Brexit – overview of member approaches; Plastics – overview of member approaches.

28 June 2018

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ Meeting Minutes

Minutes from the Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ Meeting which took place in London on 28 June 2018. Agenda items were: SSC Expansion Strategy; The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI); Risk assessment resource sharing; Updates to Guidance; Code Implementation FAQs.

25 January 2018

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ Meeting Minutes

These are the Meeting Minutes from the SSC Members’ Meeting which took place in London on 25 January 2018.

4 April 2017

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points. Item 1) Vision and aims: The environmental scope of the codes is clear and a review would detract from other urgent priorities. Both the vision, and the definition of sustainability, will remain the same for now. The aims should be reviewed in the near future. Item 2) Strategic priorities: Short-term priorities (12 months); Membership expansion, with a focus on foodservice; Providing support to current members; Maintaining the codes as necessary. We need a statement around social responsibility that shows SSC members are individually working on these issues, but collectively the scope is on environmental issues.

1 March 2017

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points. Item 1: An SSC “AGM” will be held (c. early April 2017) in which strategy, governance, funding needs and financial reporting will be revisited and agreed; Membership expansion is critical (assuming the SSC must grow in order to achieve its aims), and should be targeted against the SSC strategy; A list of named attendees will be included in draft meeting minutes shared with members. The public version will remain anonymous; Silence will imply consent on secretariat requests for feedback; Consideration of social commitments to be practically included in the codes should be revisited in the future. However, keeping a small social working group would be valuable to share information and liaise with other stakeholders; The SSC coordinator post will be recruited after the SSC strategy is agreed, and be aligned with its outcomes. Item : Social responsibility working group to remain ‘on hold’ until the SSC strategy is defined, the outcome of which will dictate the social responsibility workstream and noting too that external tools are being established; Members would like to be informed if the SSC is to be used as case study at international events – this information could be circulated via a newsletter or email. Any outreach about SSC would need to align to SSC strategy in the first instance. Item 3: To decide SSC involvement on fishery improvements, though either Project UK or the proposed collaboration, at or after the SSC strategy has been defined.

14 June 2016

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points. Item 1: Social responsibility criteria will be included in the SSC sourcing code.• Members agreed the codes did not require amending to clarify the use of sustainability claims for aquaculture, but that the secretariat would clarify this in messaging with new and potential members; We will form a working group to define what ‘data deficiency’ means and possible actions for sourcing from these fisheries. The SSC Guidance will be clarified to refer to existing tools to assess risk in data-limited fisheries, and new developments in FIP performance measurement.

11 February 2016

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting presentations (Part 2)

SSC Meeting. External stakeholder presentations – part 2

11 February 2016

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting presentations (Part 1)

SSC Meeting. External stakeholder presentations – part 1; Fishing into the Future, Jim Masters, Executive Director; Cefas, Stuart Hetherington, Marine Biologist.

11 February 2016

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points. A page on the SSC website dedicated to resources on FIPs would be useful to centralise information in one place; Secretariat participation in Project UK Advisory Committee would be useful to feed information to the rest of the group, and members are encouraged to participate on an individual level. The secretariat could also support collaboration on existing FIPs by helping with organising meetings.

24 November 2015

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points. Item 1: Exploring ideas: The SSC has five objectives in relation to improvement projects: 1. Act as a vehicle to collaborate and share information. 2. Engage with catching sector to: (a) demonstrate demand and provide support with solutions; (b) ensure industry helps with scientific data collection. 3. Improved access to funding to help improvements. 4. To clarify what sources of information exist and how to improve or provide access to them; and seek clarity on what data is required by scientists for correct and up-to-date assessments. 5. Identify and work together on improvement projects.

14 July 2015

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Item 1: Future priorities for the SSC; Item 2: Review of SSC aims; Item 3: Potential SSC membership fees; Item 4: Any other business.

24 March 2015

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points: Updates since the last meeting; Guidance amendments (Sourcing Code); Guidance Amendments (Labelling Code); Potential funding structures.

14 August 2014

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points, Purpose of the members’ meeting, Governance, Implementation, Public launch.

25 June 2014

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points: Sourcing Code – traceability to vessel of origin; Sourcing Code – cetaceans; Sourcing Code – aquaculture zones; Sourcing Code – minor amendments; Sourcing Code – certification standards; Labelling Code – certification requirements; Labelling Code – 95% commitment.

2 April 2014

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points: Sourcing code – Independent Endorsement; Sourcing code – other comments; RASS tool update
Labelling Code; Guidance document; Timelines.

8 January 2014

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points
Item 1: Vote outcomes (codes); When the SSC launches the sourcing and labelling codes, they will be implemented with a phased approach whereby larger members (such as multiple retailers and some brands and processors) will initially implement the codes; The sourcing and labelling codes will be signed off simultaneously.Item 2: Sourcing code – transgenic fish; Transgenic fish will not be included in the sourcing code or guidance document.Item 3: Sourcing code – engagement; New wording was agreed on screen at the meeting (detailed in Item 3, below); Details on how members might prioritise engagement, particularly regarding scale issues, will be decided at a later date and included in the guidance document; Explanatory detail of what is meant by ‘appropriate level of engagement’ – with consideration of the different issues that may arise depending on the scale of the business and the scale of the fishery – will be included in the guidance document.Item 4: Sourcing code – working towards sustainability; The statement on working towards sustainability will not be included in the code.Item 5: Sourcing code – decision trees; The decision tree for a non-compliant audit was changed to reflect the text as agreed in Item 3.

11 November 2013

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points. Item 1: Members’ use of the SSC logo; The text in the Terms of Reference governing logo use will be redrafted and simplified by the secretariat and sent to all members for agreement.; There were not enough members present to take a decision on logo use. The secretariat will circulate an electronic vote to members to decide when they feel it is appropriate for members to start using the SSC logo. The secretariat will action any outcomes decided by a majority vote.; Until the vote is held, the SSC logo should not be used by members.; If the outcome of the vote means that the logo is used before any codes are signed, then it should be alongside an explanatory statement. If members use the logo after the launch of the code(s) it could be used independently, with no explanatory statement, in some cases.

3 October 2013

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Item 1: Labelling code redraft discussion and sign off; The members present agreed a final simplified text; This text needs to be agreed by the members not present, and the guidance document needs to be finalised before the code is signed off; The simplified writing in this version is more suitable for the intended purpose; ‘Voluntary code’ will be used rather than ‘policy’ and the document will be called the SSC ‘Voluntary Code on Environmental Claims’; Environmental descriptors such as ‘fast flowing waters’ do not need to be explained in detail in the guidance document.

11 September 2013

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes – Foodservice only

Summary of agreed points; Item 1: New EU regulations – implications for SSC members; A member of the group asked about new regulations in the EU which would have to be considered in the near future. A discussion arose as a result on theCommon Markets Organisation (CMO) regulation, food information regulation, and regulations regarding allergen information. The secretariat will keep members informed of any changes to the proposed CMO as it goes through its reform and amend the guidance document accordingly in line with the CMO changes. The secretariat will circulate links to ClientEarth’s blog and SSC news article on proposed CMO changes to the members. Item 2: Labels for allergy advice; A member of the group raised the issues of new labelling requirements for allergy advice and providing information to consumers on menus or other areas.This lead to a short discussion between members with no resulting actions.

24 July 2013

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of key concerns and agreed points. Item 1: Key ConcernsIn response to feedback from a number of SSC members, this meeting was changed from its original purpose (addressing public feedback labelling code) to address issues and potential solutions surrounding the following instead: The need for more simplicity in the draft labelling code; The practicability of the labelling code’s ‘alternative’ route to sustainability claims(Option 2) – other than certification to third party standard; The need for non-member expert involvement in SSC working groups; and Governance structure / decision making.Item 2: Simplification of the code and sign-off Without changing the agreed fundamental principles of the labelling code, its structure, layout and presentation will be simplified by the secretariat with the help of the suggested summary from an SSC member. The bulk and detail of the commitments will be placed in annexes. The secretariat will re-draft and simplify the labelling code as per agreements in this meeting and then circulate and discuss with those present at this meeting who were willing to give initial comments. The draft code will then be amended again if necessary, and presented as a new version at the next full members meeting. As a result of the outcome of this meeting, coupled with low availability for the previously suggested date of 5 September, the next SSC members’ meeting will be rescheduled to the end of September in order to take place after the food-service members meeting.

11 June 2013

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of agreed points. Item 1: Members’ vote; The comments received during the six week public feedback period were discussed.Members prioritised their top three priority points to discuss in detail and these were: to reconsider the ethical/social aspect in the scope of the code; how fishmeal will be addressed for aquaculture; and the costs and transparency of auditing; Issues regarding the presentation and clarity of the code were also widely regarded as important amongst SSC members and these were discussed briefly at the end of the meeting; Issues around AIPCE-CEP principles were also given a high priority and it was agreed they will be discussed at a later meeting to be scheduled by the secretariat; Members were keen that all feedback be addressed and discussed. It was agreed that the secretariat will circulate a feedback form to members to highlight which feedback they agreed with and would like to amend the code accordingly, and whether it would require a meeting or could be agreed via email or conference call.

26 September 2012

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes – Foodservice only

Foodservice working group meeting: Summary of agreed points & actions: 1. Agreed: A summary of what the SSC is and its successes would be useful for theMembers when discussing the SSC. 2. Agreed: The sourcing Code is the most important to the foodservice sector, and members would prefer to work on one code at a time to ensure it is completed in a reasonable timeframe rather than several at once. 3. Agreed: The foodservice group would like to receive SSC emails only once a month.Action: Secretariat to send all documents, requests and information only once a month to foodservice members. Secretariat will send new members an invite to wiki space page. 4. Agreed: The initial foodservice Membership will be capped at 18 and Members will rank suggested other potential Members to join this initial core group via email. 5. Agreed: The foodservice Members will read the current draft of the sourcing Code and will have a meeting in November to discuss it before they feel they can participate in the large sourcing working group meetings.Action: secretariat to arrange this meeting so that it occurs before the next sourcing meeting. 6. Agreed: The foodservice Members want to explore the option of inviting NGOs to their working groups after or during their next meeting.

22 November 2012

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes – afternoon all members

Summary of agreed points. Note: As set out below, it was agreed by the Members that, in order to satisfy competition law requirements, the SSC’s draft Code of Conduct on Environmental Labelling and Self-Declared Environmental Claims of Fish and Seafood (the Labelling Code) should contain two routes to making claims of ‘sustainability’ with regard to fish and seafood. The first route is via certification to third party standard; the second sets out an equivalent alternative route. For ease of reference, these are referred to as Option 1 (certification to third party standard) and Option 2 (equivalent alternative route) in the summary below.For claims of ‘responsibility’ with regard to fish and seafood, there are four options set out in the code, as follows: Option 1 (certification to third party standard); Option 2(equivalent alternative route); Option 3 (risk assessed as ‘low risk’ and appropriate actions being taken); and Option 4 (risk assessed as ‘high risk’ or ‘medium risk’ and appropriate actions being taken).

22 November 2012

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes 22nd November 2012 – morning foodservice only

Summary of agreed points. Item 1:- Members agreed secretariat should prioritise invites (or follow ups) to join theSSC to the following businesses: Garrets International, GB chefs, Sodexo,Compass, Mitch Tonks, National Federation of Fish Fryers and British Institute ofInnkeepers. Secretariat will not pursue other businesses who did not reply tothe original invitation.Item 2:- The SSC foodservice members would like to invite the following to thesourcing working groups: Aquaculture Stewardship Council, MCS, GlobalAquaculture Alliance and Seafish.- The SSC foodservice members would like to invite the following todiversification working groups: Mums Net, Great British Chefs, BBC Good Food,Restaurant magazine, Fork magazine, Crumbs magazine, Eat Out magazine,Flavour magazine, Olive magazine, Observer Food Monthly, Jamie Oliver

18 July 2012

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of conclusions and actions: Item 2: Final consensus on social/ethical factors in the codes; Agreed: All agreed on exclusion of social and ethical from the codes. It will be made clear that the codes are in relation to environmental labels and environmentally responsible sourcing; Agreed: Aspects of fish welfare relevant to the environment (e.g. disease control, habitat degradation etc) will be covered by the codes. Non-environmental aspects such as slaughter will not be under the scope of the codes.Item 3: Labelling code; Agreed: All agreed on tone and format of code; Agreed: All agreed that ‘responsible’ and ‘sustainable’ should be referred to as different claims, not levels or tiers; Agreed: It is important that the code does not endorse a particular system, rather it defines a process (and organic may be part of that process); Action point: ClientEarth to carry out legal analysis of EU ecosystem laws and relationship between organic and sustainability

2 May 2012

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes 2nd May 2012

Summary of conclusions and actions: 2: ClientEarth facilitation changes: update agreed; Clarification will be given about roles at the start of each meeting (i.e. who is facilitating, who from ClientEarth is acting as a member, would a member prefer to facilitate?)Action Points; Secretariat to review references to ClientEarth’s role within Terms of Reference. 3: Terms of Reference Clarifying authorisation Agreed; Where it is unclear whether a particular situation counts as media interaction being undertaken on behalf of the coalition, or a statement construed as lobbying and policy, the secretariat should gain approval from all members.

1 February 2012

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of conclusions & actions: Steering group options:Agreed: that SSC doesn’t need a steering group at the moment. Option for the future if the membership expands.Secretariat authorisation:Agreed: Statements of policy and lobbying require approval, even if something appears to have been agreed in a meeting. Statements of fact can be delegated as long as it doesn’t relate directly to a member or is likely to have a bearing on a member’s reputation. Permission for use of logos has already been given.Action: Secretariat to amend Terms of reference to reflect issues requiring approval etc.The letter to Maria Damanaki will now be redrafted to introduce the SSC to theCommission.

1 September 2011

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Summary of conclusions & actions: The next labelling WG should include a focus session on ‘sustainably farmed’ and on ‘what FIPs and AIPs’ really mean, as well as further analysis on minimum criteria and definitions for claims. Aim to finalise labelling code by January 2012; Species diversification WG should focus solely on species diversification and all work on bycatch reduction and data collection should go to the Discard ActionGroup (DAG), to avoid duplication. Working Group to identify appropriate unpopular managed species. Secretariat will contract out market research on the barriers to change to these species; Secretariat will edit the letter to Commissioner Damanaki and send it to members for revisions, before sending it to the commissioner; Secretariat will: continue communicating with retailers and suppliers not currently members of the SSC; identify other suppliers/retailers/brands, foodservice businesses and celebrity chefs to approach regarding joining SSC and send to members for additions; Secretariat will produce a draft of seafood sourcing policies aim to add to the current aims, and send to members for comments.

12 May 2011

Sustainable Seafood Coalition (SSC) Members’ meeting minutes

Morning Sessions (members and non-members). 1. Secretariat welcomes all and gives a brief introduction. Session begins with four presentations. Agenda Item 1: Secretariat Presentation2. Covered the expected aims of the SSC including: clear labelling, promotion of underutilised species, sourcing standards and data collection.3. Coordinated approach is required. All of industry to be involved, including promotion from celebrity chefs, suppliers to ensure processes down to the fishmeal sectors. 4. Seafood labelling – there is no harmonisation, it is not properly regulated and no definitions. 5. Hypothetical examples were given for defined environmental claims, and the promotion of underutilised species.