August 19, 2016 — The following was released by the Marine Stewardship Council:

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) has appointed Eric Critchlow as the new U.S. Program Director. Eric will be based in the MSC US headquarters in Seattle. He is a former vice president of Lusamerica Foods and has over 35 years in the seafood industry.

Leading a team to engage partners

Eric will be leading the MSC’s U.S program, including its commercial, fisheries and communications teams. Eric will also work closely with partners in the seafood industry, continuing to deepen MSC’s relationship with key partners in the US.

Brian Perkins, Regional Director Americas, said: “I am delighted to welcome Eric to the MSC as U.S. Program Director. Eric has a unique blend of skills and experience that will enable him to bring all stakeholders together towards a common goal of preserving our fishery resources for the future.”

Eric joined the team in June 2016 and will report to Brian Perkins, the Regional Director for the Americas.

Eric started in the commercial fishing industry as a troll salmon buyer and general production worker. He also worked with Ocean Beauty (Portland Fish) and North Pacific Seafoods as Vice President (VP) of Sales.

Eric Critchlow, U.S. Program Director, added: “I am thrilled to be joining the MSC at a very important time in the organisation’s history.  Given consumer consciousness and stewardship with their food purchasing habits and their desire for sustainable seafood, it’s imperative in my role to keep building alliances with our key partners in order to deliver on our mission and expand the MSC’s presence in the Americas and increase availability of MSC certified sustainable seafood across the region.”

The MSC in the Americas

Around half (53%) of fisheries in the USA and two-thirds (62%) of Canadian fisheries are engaged with the MSC program. Together these fisheries account for approximately 3.2 million metric tons of seafood caught every year. With the growth of the program in the Americas, MSC is moving toward having representatives available to fishery and commercial partners within more specific geographic areas.