Saving Seafood

Seafood industry seeks to weather coronavirus

May 19, 2020 — Two of the North Coast’s largest seafood processors have reopened in time for one of Oregon’s biggest fisheries after an outbreak of the coronavirus among workers.

Pacific Seafood in Warrenton and Bornstein Seafoods in Astoria are returning to business with numerous safety precautions in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

Fishing, an industry that always juggles some degree of uncertainty even in the best conditions, now faces many more unknowns because of the coronavirus.

“The whole thing is a nightmare,” said Lori Steele, the executive director of the West Coast Seafood Processors Association.

Read the full story at The Astorian

Coronavirus Restaurant Closures Upend Oregon Seafood Industry

March 26, 2020 — Oregon’s seafood industry is losing a major market as restaurant dining rooms across the country close to reduce the spread of the new coronavirus.

Seafood processors across the Northwest say they’re shifting gears quickly to make up for the loss in restaurant sales. They’re putting more seafood in the freezer and selling more to grocery stores.

Northwest seafood processor Andrew Bornstein said grocery stores are buying more seafood now because so many people are stocking up in response to statewide orders to stay home. But that doesn’t mean his business isn’t taking a big hit.

“Does the increase in grocery make up for a lack of restaurant business? No, not even close,” said Bornstein, who manages Bornstein Seafoods. the company has seafood processing plants in Astoria, Oregon, and Bellingham, Washington.

Read the full story at OPB

Oregon: Fish tour spotlights industry

May 31, 2018 — Workforce issues continue to plague the commercial fishing world, industry leaders told attendees during the second annual Clatsop Commercial Fisheries Tour Wednesday.

The tour highlighted successful businesses in Warrenton and Astoria, improved marina infrastructure in Warrenton, as well as conservation efforts within the industry.

But Andrew Bornstein of Bornstein Seafoods said the company has struggled to fill out its employee roster — an issue that is inextricably tied to the lack of affordable and workforce-priced housing in Clatsop County, he said.

Last year, other seafood processors said the same thing, and fishermen and commercial fishing advocates have long worried about where to find the next generation of fishermen, especially as the barriers to enter many fisheries increase.

Read the full story at the Daily Astorian