BANGKOK, Mar. 12, 2026 – Thai Union Group PCL, a global seafood leader, is advancing seagrass restoration in Italy through Mareblu, its Italian seafood brand, in partnership with LifeGate, a sustainability organization, at a time when native seagrass meadows are declining worldwide.

The work is part of LifeGate’s Water Defenders Alliance, a coalition of institutions and companies, including Mareblu, dedicated to protecting ocean waters.

The pilot project will help strengthen the evidence base for seagrass restoration methods, focused on the Cymodocea nodosa species, and generate practical insights to inform future conservation work.

The pilot took place in the Miramare Marine Protected Area in the Gulf of Trieste, off the coast of Italy, recognized by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. In June 2025, marine biologists from Shoreline, the scientific partner engaged by LifeGate, transplanted approximately 2,300 seagrass cuttings across an approximately 100-square-meter area, organized into nine plots, to help re-establish habitat on the seabed.

Seagrass meadows play an important role in ocean health. They provide shelter and nursery habitat for marine life, help stabilize seabed sediments, and can improve local water quality by reducing stirred-up sediment, in addition to playing a fundamental role in climate change mitigation. The UN Environmental Programme estimates 7% of the world’s seagrass meadows disappear each year.

Early monitoring found a high initial establishment rate, with most cuttings remaining in place. The observations also identified intense grazing by herbavores on leaves. To support establishment through an early growth period, the project team installed nine temporary protective cages over the restoration plots, helping safeguard the transplants from grazers as they strengthen and take root.

Beyond habitat restoration, the pilot is testing methods intended to improve how seagrass restoration can be carried out responsibly and at scale. This includes evaluating the potential use of seagrass material recovered from beaching, as well as biodegradable components designed to support early development.

“Seagrass meadows are an important coastal habitat, and restoring them requires practical, science-led work,” said Adam Brennan, Chief Sustainability & Communications Officer at Thai Union. “This pilot reflects our SeaChange® 2030 commitment to restore vital marine ecosystems through effective partnerships and measurable action.”

A structured monitoring program is planned through the end of 2026, with multiple observation points aligned to the seagrass growth cycle.

As part of Thai Union’s SeaChange® 2030 sustainability strategy, the initiative supports the company’s efforts to help advance a more sustainable seafood industry through responsible supply chains, climate action, and ocean stewardship. Through SeaChange® 2030, Thai Union is working toward measurable progress that strengthens ocean resilience and supports long-term seafood security for communities around the world.

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About Thai Union Group 

Thai Union Group PCL is a global seafood leader, delivering high-quality, healthy, and innovative products to consumers around the world since 1977. The company is one of the largest producers of shelf-stable tuna and recorded sales of over THB 133 billion in 2025, supported by a global workforce of more than 44,000. Guided by its vision to become the world’s leading marine health and nutrition company, and its commitment to “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans,” Thai Union’s diversified business spans shelf-stable and frozen seafood, value-added foods and ingredients, pet care, and sustainable aquaculture feed. Its brand portfolio includes global names such as Chicken of the Sea, John West, Petit Navire, King Oscar, Rügen Fisch and SEALECT. Through its SeaChange® 2030 sustainability strategy, Thai Union is delivering impact for both people and planet. Learn more at www.thaiunion.com.

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For more information please contact;

Kanyarat Kiatchairin 064-949-6594 or media@thaiunion.com