ESG REPORT & ESG ROADMAP IN THE EXPORT SEAFOOD SUPPLY CHAIN

Consequently, the ESG report has become a critical instrument for enterprises not only to demonstrate regulatory compliance but also to strengthen their reputation and competitive advantage in international markets. However, to develop a robust ESG report, companies must establish a clearly defined implementation roadmap aligned with each stage of the supply chain—from aquaculture and harvesting to processing and logistics.

This paper aims to outline the ESG integration roadmap across different levels of the export seafood supply chain, while providing direction on data standardization and operational alignment to enhance the quality and credibility of the ESG report, thereby supporting sustainable development and meeting increasingly stringent global requirements.

Levels of ESG Integration in the Export Seafood Supply Chain

Level 1: Processing Facilities

Processing plants are typically regarded as the final link in the export seafood supply chain. Any non-conformity at this stage may result in significant risks, including contract termination and reputational damage, directly undermining the reliability of the ESG report. To mitigate such risks and ensure effective ESG integration, enterprises should implement a phased roadmap as follows:

Short-term (1–2 years): Establishing a solid foundation

- Core management systems: Implement and obtain certifications such as ISO 14001 (Environmental Management Systems), ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems), HACCP, GMP.

- Input control: Conduct periodic testing for contaminants such as arsenic and antibiotic residues; immediately reject any consignments associated with IUU (Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated) fishing.

- Process digitalization: Deploy a fully integrated ERP system (end-to-end: sourcing → processing → distribution) under a unified governance framework.

- Labour documentation: Establish transparent employment contracts (in worker-friendly language), maintain accurate records of working hours and wages, and implement an effective grievance mechanism.

Medium-term (3–5 years): Optimization and value enhancement

- Relevant certifications: Achieve internationally recognized certifications such as BRC/IFS.

- Resource efficiency: Reduce waste to 10% and valorize by-products through supporting industries, generating an additional 5–10% revenue stream.

- Energy efficiency: Install ammonia heat recovery systems, reducing electricity consumption by 15–20%.

- Information transparency: Gradually standardize data systems to support the publication of an independently verified ESG report.

Long-term (>5 years): Transition towards a circular economy

- Install rooftop solar systems (supplying 30–40% of total energy demand).

- Implement biological wastewater treatment combined with RO systems (enabling 50% water reuse, COD < 75 mg/L).

- Transition 100% of packaging materials to biodegradable alternatives.

- Enhance employee welfare, thereby improving the overall quality and integrity of the ESG report.

Level 2: Aquaculture Farms & Fishing Vessels

Aquaculture zones and fishing vessels form the foundation of the supply chain and serve as critical input sources for the ESG report. Therefore, enterprises must implement control measures in a structured, phased manner:

Short-term: Strengthening compliance and control

- Legal verification: Review aquaculture and fishing licenses, verify Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), and eliminate illegal (“ghost”) vessels.

- Strict traceability records: Ensure all essential data—such as farm/vessel identification, harvesting time, volume, and certifications—are properly recorded and securely retained for 3–5 years to support the ESG report.

- Protective contractual clauses: Include provisions for immediate contract termination in cases involving IUU violations or the use of child or forced labour.

Medium- and long-term: Certification enhancement and product innovation

1. Certification enhancement

- Provide financial support and technical training to enable farmers to obtain ASC/BAP certifications, eliminate intermediaries, and increase procurement prices by 10–15%.

- Expand mangrove shrimp farming models to generate carbon credits and protect ecosystems, thereby enhancing the value of the ESG report.

2. Product innovation

- Apply blockchain technology to assign unique IDs to each farming pond; customers can scan QR codes to access full traceability and ownership information, ensuring authenticity.

 -  Develop niche product lines (e.g., cold-water fish, mangrove shrimp) with 1.5–2x higher pricing, targeting premium markets such as the EU and Japan.

Level 3: Supplier Partners

Enterprises should extend ESG governance across their entire supplier ecosystem to ensure consistency and reliability of the ESG report.

Suppliers should be required to commit to compliance with minimum wage standards, prohibition of child labour, stringent waste management practices, and ethical business conduct. In addition, suppliers should be categorized by risk level, with corresponding control measures:

1. Low risk (Green)

- Profile: Long-term internal suppliers with established ISO certifications

- Action: Documentation review every two years

2. Medium risk (Yellow)

- Profile: Domestic suppliers in remote areas with incomplete documentation

- Action: Require periodic on-site inspections

3. High risk (Red)

- Profile: Foreign suppliers or those with questionable compliance history

- Action: Require immediate, comprehensive audits

In addition, enterprises should adopt a “symbiotic strategy”, shifting from a purely punitive approach to supplier development, thereby strengthening supply chain resilience:

1. Commercial and financial incentives

- Offer 5–10% price premiums or commercial incentives for ESG-certified suppliers (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, Aquafeed, etc.).

- Provide zero-interest financing packages to support equipment upgrades and environmental management systems.

2. Training and transparency

- Deliver free training on occupational health and safety and regulatory compliance.

- Establish anonymous grievance mechanisms across the supply chain, enabling subcontractors to report violations directly to the parent company without fear of retaliation.

Harmonizing standards across suppliers will significantly enhance the transparency, consistency, and credibility of the ESG report at the supply chain level.

Level 4: Logistics & Transportation

Logistics and transportation activities play a critical role in emission control and supply chain transparency. Accordingly, enterprises should implement a phased transition roadmap to support sustainability objectives and strengthen the ESG report.

Short-term: Measurement and monitoring

- Establish a baseline for current emissions.

- Record transport distance, load capacity, and fuel types to support ESG report disclosures.

- Require logistics partners to disclose transport routes to ensure audit transparency.

Medium-term: Transition to cleaner energy and optimization

- Pilot LNG-powered refrigerated trucks (reducing carbon emissions by 20–30%) or hybrid vehicles.

- Implement shipment consolidation and transition to reusable plastic containers, reducing packaging-related emissions by up to 50%.

Long-term: Electrification and Net Zero

- Fully transition to electric refrigerated trucks powered by renewable energy.

- Commit to carbon-neutral logistics through carbon offset mechanisms.