Trident Seafoods

Sustainability strategy

Trident Seafoods has a section on its website entitled ‘Responsibility’, which demonstrates that the company recognises its role in ocean stewardship and sustainability. While Trident makes broad commitments under pillars such as ‘Acting Responsibly’ and ‘A Higher Environmental Standard’, it does not demonstrate or disclose a company-wide sustainability strategy. The company should develop and implement a comprehensive strategy with time-bound objectives and clear targets, as a first priority in improving its sustainability performance and accountability.

Transparency on traceability and sourcing

Trident Seafoods discloses information about its product range, including which species it sources, as well as provides consumer information on food safety and nutritional content. However, the company does not give details regarding the origins of its marine ingredients, where the ingredients are sourced and procured from, and whether they are certified. Furthermore, Trident does not appear to consider these factors when sourcing materials, as it does not disclose a company-wide sourcing policy. The company could increase transparency and accountability among stakeholders by providing considerably more information about the ingredients it sources.

Environmental footprint

Trident Seafoods states that is constantly innovating to reduce the environmental footprint of its vessels and shore operations and that the company holds itself to a high accountability standard. However, Trident does not disclose additional information or provide evidence of its efforts. The company could improve its transparency by setting targets and reporting on progress for key environmental metrics, such as greenhouse gas emissions, freshwater use, plastic use, and food loss and waste.

Mitigation of ecosystem impact

Trident Seafoods lacks disclosure regarding how it seeks to mitigate potential adverse impacts on the ecosystem. The company website states that Trident assesses its sources against the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries, though it does not provide details about how these assessments are conducted. Trident could disclose whether it conducts risk-assessments for illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities and how it does so, as well as how the company addresses issues such as bycatch and ghost gear.

Transparency regarding human and labour rights policies

Trident Seafoods lacks disclosure and evidence in regard to its efforts to respect human and labour rights. The company could publicly disclose its activities to identify, assess and mitigate any potential adverse human rights impacts resulting from its operations.

Support for local communities

Trident Seafoods claims that it supports and invests in local communities yet does not provide any additional details. The company should develop and disclose formal commitments and policies that aim to benefit the livelihoods of people living in the areas where it operates.