In late March 2025, the SEA2SEE consortium gathered for its 6th management meeting, marking an important moment in the project lifespan. Held virtually, the meeting focused on reviewing ongoing activities, and addressing technical challenges, with partners sharing progress on their respective Work Packages, highlighting achievements, delays, and necessary adjustments to ensure smooth implementation.
Key topics of discussion included the integration of evaluator recommendations, particularly regarding ethical data management and gender inclusivity in stakeholder engagement activities. Given the challenges of promoting gender balance in male-dominated industries like fisheries, partners explored ways to address inclusivity beyond gender, including age diversity. In addition, recognizing the broader issue of attracting younger generations to the fisheries sector, the consortium emphasized the importance of incorporating age equity into project reporting.
Technical advancements also took center stage during the meeting, with updates on traceability technologies, data collection tools, and consumer applications. While continuous improvements have been made in the SEA2SEE app, challenges remain in integrating Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and aligning various technological developments. The meeting also highlighted successful stakeholder engagement initiatives within the project, including the launch of the second edition of the SEA2SEE MOOC, ongoing consumer seafood literacy activities, and the development of awareness-raising materials. Additionally, the consortium celebrated its participation in key industry events, its endorsement by the United Nations Ocean Decade, and growing synergies with collaborative efforts with several European projects.
Looking ahead in the next months, SEA2SEE is gearing up for key demonstrations to be happening, preparing for the upcoming review period in July, and the next consortium meeting in Vigo, Spain, happening in October as well as discussions to organize the final event by the end of the project. The meeting reaffirmed SEA2SEE’s dedication to advancing seafood traceability and sustainability, with partners committed to finding effective solutions to overcome pending issues, while working together to effectively deploy the project’s innovative solutions.
