Amid the outcomes of the 25th COP (Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) judged by many as disappointing, the European Union unveiled last month its ambitious “green deal”. This ambition now needs to be reflected in the common fisheries policy, at a time when quotas in the Atlantic and the North Sea are being defined.

I am convinced that the role of the IFFO Members is to lead by example, by pushing for effective and progressive fisheries regulations and promoting best practices, all which are already in place in most countries with fisheries resources but may still be missing in some regions.

As announced in Shanghai at the IFFO Annual conference last year, we want to enter into dialogue with a much wider range of stakeholders in a way that ensures the raising of awareness about outstanding issues while also promoting the sustainability of marine ingredients and their essential contribution to feeding the world, through the use of evidence.

Here's to 2020 being a decisive year for the industry, not only to prove the true value of marine ingredients but also to drive positive changes through improvement projects and collaboration!

I wish you all a very happy New Year 2020! 

Petter M. Johannessen
Director General

To read all articles related to the January issue, please click on the following links below:

- IFFO Members' Meeting in Miami, USA
- IFFO RS welcomes two new FIPs to the Improver Programme
- Communicating the true value of marine ingredients to a wide audience
- A brighter future for fishing
- Event Calendar