On June 12, 2025, the EU-funded projects Mr.Goodfish 3.0 and VeriFish will jointly host a special online event on the sidelines of the United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3). Titled “Can We Still Eat Seafood? Adopting Responsible Consumption and Production of Seafood, Freshwater, and Aquaculture Products to Protect Marine Biodiversity," this virtual discussion will focus on one of the most pressing issues of our time: how can we continue to enjoy seafood while ensuring the health of our oceans and the resilience of coastal communities?
What is UNOC3?
The United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC) is a high-level global event designed to advance the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14): “Life Below Water,” which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources. The 2025 edition of the conference will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and will take place in Nice, France, from June 9 to 13, 2025. With the theme “Accelerating action and mobilizing all stakeholders to conserve and sustainably use the ocean,” the conference aims to catalyze urgent and coordinated efforts to protect marine ecosystems. It will serve as a vital platform for governments, international organizations, NGOs, scientists, the private sector, indigenous peoples, and civil society to assess progress, share solutions, and forge partnerships. Building on the momentum of previous conferences in New York (2017) and Lisbon (2022), the 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference will focus on identifying effective ways to advance the sustainable use of ocean resources, strengthen existing frameworks, and ensure the effective implementation of ongoing global marine initiatives.
About the Event
With more than 37% of global wild seafood stocks currently overexploited (FAO, 2024), it is no longer enough to ask whether seafood should continue to be part of our diet. Instead, we must consider how they can be produced, consumed, and managed in ways that promote both ecological sustainability and human well-being. This event offers a unique opportunity to hear from international experts representing the seafood industry, the restaurant sector, and nonprofit organizations, all of whom are working to reshape the seafood landscape.
The panel will explore how responsible practices can align with Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), particularly efforts to ensure sustainable fishing (Target 14.4) and to support small-scale fishers (Target 14.b). Discussions will focus on innovations in seafood supply chain transparency, strategies to engage and educate consumers of all ages, and ways to build inclusive seafood systems that prioritize social, economic, and environmental balance.
Two Horizon Europe projects are behind this event. Mr.Goodfish3.0 builds on a successful awareness-raising initiative, expanding its reach through a revamped app and a series of collaborative awareness campaigns in Europe’s major marine and freshwater regions. The goal is to empower consumers to make informed decisions, while connecting stakeholders through a shared platform for knowledge and action.
VeriFish, meanwhile, is developing a dynamic and verifiable framework for sustainability indicators based on European and global data. By creating a prototype web application, communication tools, and sector-specific guidelines, VeriFish strives to improve understanding and trust regarding what makes seafood truly sustainable, from producer to plate.
Both projects make a decisive contribution to the EU’s “Restore our Ocean & Waters” mission, and together they aim to drive meaningful change through collaboration, transparency, and innovation.
Whether you’re a seafood lover, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about the future of our oceans, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Join us to discover how informed choices today can lead to healthier oceans tomorrow.
The event will take place online on June 12, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (CEST) and is open to everyone.
What are you waiting for? Register here and join the conversation. We look forward to seeing you there!
