About

Discover the roots, values, and impact of ICFA as we strive to make a difference in global seafood sustainability.

Who We Are

The International Coalition of Fisheries Associations (ICFA) is a coalition of the national fish and seafood industry associations from the world’s major fishing nations. The group was formed in 1988 to provide decision makers a unified voice on global fish and seafood issues. ICFA members are committed to the sustainable use of marine resources for their contribution to global food security. ICFA members are also deeply committed to science based and fully participatory fishery conservation and management practices. Currently, we have 24 seafood industry association members from across the world (Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Africa and Latin America). ICFA members participate in various UN meetings in which fisheries issues are discussed and debated ensuring the seafood industry’s voice is heard.

ICFA group shot

Achievements

Over the years, ICFA has not just been a spectator but an active participant in shaping global fisheries policies. Here are some of the achievements that mark our journey.

1

Accredited as an international organization within the United Nations system.

2

Active participant in high-level international conventions including the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Committee on Fisheries and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

3

Represents a global network of 24 members across six continents.

Priorities

ICFA members commit to strongly advocating for national governments to:

  • combat illegal, unregulated, and under-reported fishing;
  • continue sustainable fisheries management, but significantly upgrade communication of management successes;
  • target efforts to limit fishing in sensitive ocean areas, in order to ensure seafood can continue to be supplied to global populations while protecting specific ecosystems;
  • recognize the limitations of Marine Protected Areas as stock protection measures, and rather consider closure areas as a means to protect biodiversity; and
  • support the joint meeting of the tuna regional fisheries management organizations

Members

Our membership spans 24 countries and six continents. You can learn more about becoming a member here.

Leadership

Guiding our mission with dedication and expertise, our leadership team embodies the principles of sustainable fisheries management and global collaboration.

Ivan López Van der Veen

ICFA Chairman and Vice President, Spanish Fishing Confederation (CEPESCA)

Patrick Hone

ICFA Vice Chair and Executive Director, Fisheries Research and Development Cooperation

Toshiro Shirasu

ICFA Vice Chair and President, Japanese Fisheries Association

Lisa Wallenda Picard

ICFA Vice Chair and President and CEO, National Fisheries Institute

Jorge Risi Mussio

ICFA Vice Chair and General Manager, Sociedad Nacional de Pesqueria

Morgan Bell

ICFA Secretariat and Director of Public Policy, National Fisheries Institute

Esben Sverdrup-Jensen

ICFA Vice Chair and CEO, Danish Pelagic Producers Organisation