November 13, 2012 — The Marine Stewardship Council announced today that The Foley Fish Company, a fourth generation, family-owned, New England seafood business, renowned for its commitment to quality and stewardship, has obtained Chain of Custody certification in the Marine Stewardship Council program. The company sells to fine dining restaurants, resorts, hotels and specialty retailers across the country.
The Foley Fish Company is an active participant in fishery management. Laura Foley Ramsden, owner of Foley Fish serves on the New England Fishery Management Council and Bill Gerencer, Foley’s Portland, Maine fish buyer serves as the chairman of the Northeast Groundfish Advisory Panel and on the Highly Migratory Species Panel. Laura Foley Ramsden, great granddaughter of founder Michael Foley, said MSC certification is a natural step for the company as it has a deep commitment to protecting ocean resources and to meeting the needs of their customers for seafood that is harvested sustainably.
“We are excited to announce our participation in MSC as part of our three-prong effort to support sustainable seafood – we participate actively as fishery managers, we promote local sustainable species through our own traceability program for New England fish and shellfish and, now MSC can help us promote species that are harvested sustainably beyond our local waters,” said Ramsden.
Kerry Coughlin, MSC regional director, Americas, said, “The Foley Fish Company is recognized nationally as a leader in the seafood business and their participation in the Marine Stewardship Council program will expand awareness of seafood sustainability with buyers across the United States. As a multi-generation, family-run company, Foley Fish has a unique appreciation for good stewardship of resources and the importance of ensuring a legacy for the next generation. Laura Foley Ramsden and others at the company continue the commitment to protecting ocean resources established by her great grandfather 106 years ago. The company serves as an important voice for preservation of wild fish stocks and we welcome them into the MSC program.”
Read the full release from the Marine Stewardship Council