VEVEY, SWITZERLAND — Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe has launched an Ocean Restoration Program aimed at protecting and preserving marine biodiversity in Europe. The pet food company has partnered with several initiatives to support restoration projects in France, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal.
Through various partnerships, Purina Europe hopes to restore up to 1,500 hectares of marine habitats by 2030, according to the company. These efforts will come full circle for the company’s fish byproduct supply chain, which it relies on for its pet food formulas. The company uses fish parts that would otherwise be wasted for human consumption but provide high nutritional value for pets.
“We are delighted to launch Purina Europe’s first Ocean Restoration Program,” said Kerstin Schmeiduch, director of corporate communications and sustainability at Purina Europe. “With marine biodiversity in dramatic decline, a collective restoration effort is required. At Purina, we are committed to playing our part to help address the loss of marine biodiversity across our extended supply chain. Therefore, with of our partners, we are taking an active role in helping to restore marine habitats on a European scale.”
To this end, Purina Europe has established partnerships with The Seagrass Consortium, Oyster Heaven, Urchinomics and SeaForester. Each of these organizations targets a specific, at-risk marine species. According to Purina, the first phase of the partnership will be devoted to research and establishing frameworks. The second phase, to be launched in 2026, will involve implementing scalable solutions to restore marine habitats.
The Seagrass Consortium, represented by the Sea Ranger Service, is working to plant seagrass meadows to support carbon sequestering and biodiversity. Oyster Heaven is dedicated to rebuilding depleted oyster reefs, providing habitats for several other marine species and serving as a natural filtration system for better ocean water quality.
Urchinomic is committed to removing excess sea urchins, which pose a threat to local kelp populations. Kelp also acts as a habitat for other sea creatures and as a natural filtration system. SeaForester is also working towards seaweed restoration by using mobile seaweed nurseries to restore rapidly depleted seaweed forests.
According to Purina, all these projects have been piloted and proven, and show strong potential for operation on a larger scale.
“We are excited to partner with Purina Europe on their Ocean Restoration Program,” said Harry Wright, chief executive officer at Bright Tide. “The structure of the program allows the group of expert partners working on the restoration of critical species across Europe to scale their solutions and share knowledge and expertise. This will help us to work together efficiently and provide the greatest opportunity to scale and replicate success. Going forward, the program can contribute to the creation of training, employment and business opportunities for local communities.”
Purina Europe is also evaluating restoration opportunities in Germany and the United Kingdom.
These latest partnerships are part of Nestlé Purina PetCare Europe’s broader strategy to ensure that 100% of its marine ingredients are responsibly sourced or organic, according to the company. To support this goal, Purina has sponsored The Bycatch Solutions Hub and is currently supporting a consortium studying seaweed-based bio-stimulants as a way to support regenerative agricultural practices.
Read more about sustainability efforts throughout the pet food and treat industry.
