Seafood Directions 2026: Certification, Traceability and the Future of Australian Seafood

 

This year’s Seafood Directions 2026 brought together people from across the Australian seafood industry to discuss the opportunities and challenges affecting the sector.

For the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), it was an opportunity to contribute to discussions about the future of responsible seafood production, share our work and perspectives, connect with people from across the supply chain, and hear directly from those working across the sector to better understand what’s shaping its future.

Exploring the future of seafood certification

ASC’s Chief Technical Officer, Alastair Dingwall joined Anne Gabriel, Program Director Oceania and Singapore at the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), Matt Taylor of Western Rock Lobster and Huw Thomas of the Global Dialogue on Seafood Traceability (GDST) for a panel exploring the future direction of seafood certification in Australia.

The discussion brought together perspectives spanning responsible aquaculture, wild capture fisheries, certification and global seafood traceability.

As expectations around sustainability and transparency continue to evolve, the claims businesses make about their products are coming under increasing scrutiny. Developments such as the EU’s Empowering Consumers Directive (EmpCo), alongside the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) guidance on environmental and sustainability claims, reflect a broader shift towards claims that are clear, specific and supported by credible evidence.

For the seafood sector, credible third-party certification and robust traceability can play an important role in this changing landscape. They help provide the evidence and transparency behind responsible sourcing claims, while giving businesses and consumers greater confidence in where their seafood comes from and how it has been produced.

The panel was also an opportunity to look beyond individual certification programs and consider the bigger picture: how industry, government, certification organisations and supply chain partners can work together to support practical progress.

For ASC, collaboration is central to this work. A more responsible seafood sector cannot be built by any one organisation. It requires shared learning, credible standards and strong partnerships across the supply chain.

Powering up with Women in Seafood Australasia

ASC was also proud to be the Platinum Sponsor of the Women in Seafood Australasia (WISA) Power Up Breakfast at Seafood Directions 2026.

Power Up has become a flagship event on the seafood industry calendar, creating a space for people from across the sector to connect, share experiences and celebrate the contribution of women and diverse voices to Australian seafood.

This year’s keynote speaker was proud Bundjalung woman, chef, educator and native food expert Mindy Woods. Mindy shared her perspective on native ingredients, sustainable food systems and the importance of recognising and celebrating cultural knowledge. Her story was a powerful reminder that conversations about the future of food and seafood are also conversations about people, place, knowledge and connection.

These themes strongly resonate with ASC’s commitment to supporting a seafood sector that is environmentally responsible, socially accountable and equipped for the future. Our partnership with WISA reflects the importance we place on creating space for different perspectives and supporting a seafood community where people can contribute, lead and thrive.

 

Continuing the conversation

Seafood Directions demonstrated the strength that comes from bringing different parts of the seafood community together.

From conversations about certification and traceability to discussions about leadership, culture, sustainability and inclusion, the conference reinforced how interconnected the challenges and opportunities facing seafood have become.

ASC Australia was pleased to play a part in those conversations and to support WISA’s Power Up Breakfast.

Thank you to Seafood Industry Australia, Women in Seafood Australasia, our fellow panellists and everyone who connected with the ASC team throughout Seafood Directions 2026.

We look forward to continuing the conversations and partnerships that will help build a responsible, transparent and thriving seafood sector in Australia.