Purina’s Innovative Ocean Restoration Program for European Marine Biodiversity

The essential role of the ocean in sustaining life on Earth is increasingly jeopardized by climate change and human activities. In response to this alarming decline in ocean health and the subsequent threat to marine life, Nestlé Purina Pet Care Europe is launching its pioneering Ocean Restoration Programme to combat the loss of marine biodiversity specifically in Europe.

Teaming up with expert organizations, the pet food company is committed to restoring 1,500 hectares, equivalent to roughly 3,700 football pitches, of marine habitats by the year 2030. These habitats, crucial for a diverse range of species, including fish, play a key role in Purina’s supply chain. Fish by-products, often overlooked by human consumption, form a valuable ingredient in pet food, aligning with Purina’s commitment to minimizing waste.

Purina is actively channeling investments into the ocean restoration solutions proposed by its partners across Europe, prioritizing efficacy and scalability. Each partner zeroes in on species critical for rejuvenating local marine habitats currently facing depletion. The initial three-year phase concentrates on research development, the establishment of a measurement framework, and conditions conducive to the efficient scaling of restoration solutions. The subsequent phase, scheduled to commence in 2026, will focus on the expansion of proven solutions.

France (Arcachon Bay), the Netherlands (including Zeeland), Norway (Tromsø), and Portugal (Cascais & Peniche) are identified as key locations for restoration efforts, with ongoing evaluations for potential sites in Germany and the UK.

Kerstin Schmeiduch, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at Purina Europe, underscores the importance of collective restoration efforts, stating, “With marine biodiversity declining dramatically, collective restoration efforts are required. At Purina, we are committed to playing our part to help address the marine biodiversity loss in our extended supply chain. Therefore, together with our partners, we are taking an active role in helping restore marine habitats at-scale in Europe.”