Saving Seafood

NEFMC Program Review – Listen Live March 13-16, 2018

March 8, 2018 — The following was released by the New England Fishery Management Council:

A six-member panel of external scientists and fishery managers will be conducting an independent review of the New England Fishery Management Council’s operations and performance during a March 13-16, 2018 meeting in Boston, MA. The public is invited to attend in person or listen to the discussion via webinar. Here are the details.

WHERE:  The meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn, Boston Logan Airport.

WEBINAR OPTION:  To listen live, register at Council Program Review webinar.

WHAT’S THE SCHEDULE:  The agenda and all related documents can be downloaded at meeting materials.

WHAT’S THIS ABOUT: The New England Council initiated an independent review to assess its past performance and, more importantly, to identify improvements to its processes in order to successfully address ongoing and future challenges. The undertaking was approved by the Council in November of 2016 and launched in November of 2017. Details about the scope of this external review can be found at prospectus and terms of reference.

WHO’S DOING THE REVIEW:  The six independent reviewers are Robert Beal, Robert Gill, Dan Hull (panel chair), Dr. Pamela Mace, Dr. Bonnie McCay, and Dr. Kenny Rose. Short biographical sketches are available under “Panel Members” on the Council Program Review Information Page.

WHAT WAS INVOLVED: The Council enlisted the help of two contractors to support the review.

  • The Fisheries Leadership and Sustainability Forum (Fisheries Forum) gathered extensive input from stakeholders, fishery managers, and scientists via 14 port meetings, one webinar meeting, an online survey, and one-on-one interviews with over 70 people for the review panel. Individual stakeholder input was kept confidential, but collective comments, opinions, and suggestions are summarized in two reports:
  1. Download the Draft Stakeholder Report at “What people said.”
  2. Download the Draft Management and Science Community Report at “What managers and scientists said.”

The list of port meetings and a copy of the online survey can be found on the Council Program Review Information Page.

  • Tidal Bay Consulting (Tidal Bay) compiled reference documents for the review panel and is providing support for the meeting itself. Tidal Bay will prepare the final report in coordination with the review panel.

QUESTIONS:  Contact Janice Plante at (607) 592-4817, jplante@nefmc.org.

Read the release at the New England Fishery Management Council

MASSACHUSETTS: New Name, New Goals for New Bedford Harbor Officials

March 8, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — It’s tough to argue that the most-well known attribute of New Bedford is its internationally known commercial fishing port. After all, it is called the Whaling City.

Since its establishment on the shores of Acushnet in the 18th Century, New Bedford has grown into the highest grossing commercial fishing port in the United States, and has been an unmatched center of the industry on the East Coast for years.

Despite hundreds of years of success, port leaders and city officials are planning to grow and diversify it even more. On Wednesday, Port Director Ed Anthes-Washburn, Mayor Jon Mitchell, and Dr. Brian Rothschild announced that the Harbor Development Commission (HDC) has changed its name to the New Bedford Port Authority (NBPA) as part of a five-year strategic plan to further expand and diversify the port, as well as enhance its operations.

“We were formerly the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission which was developed in 1957. In 1957 the focus was on a smaller subset of things. Today we have our hands in a lot of different areas and we’re a very diverse and vibrant port,” Washburn explained. “We want regionally, nationally, and internationally to be recognized and the New Bedford Port Authority moniker does that a little better than the New Bedford Harbor Development Commission.”

Read the full story at WBSM

MASSACHUSETTS: Gloucester again at center of drilling fight

March 8, 2018 — GLOUCESTER, Mass. — In the late-1970s, an unlikely alliance between environmentalists and commercial fishermen in this storied seaport helped block plans to open up Georges Bank to oil exploration — an effort that ultimately led to a federal moratorium on offshore drilling.

Georges Bank, a shallow and turbulent fish spawning ground southeast of Cape Ann and 100 miles east of Cape Cod, has been fished for more than 350 years. It is once again the center of a battle over drilling, this time stemming from President Donald Trump’s plan to allow private oil and gas companies to work in federal waters.

And, once again, Gloucester is poised to play an oversized role in opposing the efforts.

“It was a stupid idea back then, and it’s a stupid idea now,” said Peter Shelley, a senior attorney with the Conservation Law Foundation, which teamed up with Gloucester fisherman to fight the proposal more than three decades ago. “But yet here we are, fighting it once again. It’s ridiculous.”

The Trump administration says existing federal policy keeps 94 percent of the outer continental shelf off-limits to drilling. A five-year plan announced by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke last year would open at least 90 percent of that area beyond state waters to development by private companies.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Times

 

Massachusetts: Black sea bass shows promise for M.V. fishermen

March 6, 2018 — With no proposed changes in conch fishing regulations on the agenda, the annual Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) winter public hearing on proposed regulations was a relatively collegial gathering. A baker’s dozen of Island fishermen and stakeholders gathered at the Katharine Cornell Theater on Monday morning to weigh in on the potential changes the DMF is looking to implement in 2018.

The main topic of conversation was changes to regulations for the commercial black sea bass fishery. According to DMF Deputy Director Dan Mackiernan, stocks of the tasty fish have increased sharply in Vineyard waters.
“Black sea bass is poster child for climate change,” he said, referring to the increasing average temperature of Vineyard waters. “We’ve never seen sea bass like we have now. They’re more abundant than they’ve ever been.”

Warren Doty, Chilmark selectman and founding president of the Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, said black sea bass are the fish of the future for Island fishermen.

“The seabass fishery has become increasingly important here,” he said. “It’s eco-friendly because it’s a pot and hand line fishery. As the water temperature changes, it’s become much more common than it was 20, 30 years ago. It’s a good prospect for the Vineyard fishery.” Doty explained that Vineyard fishermen tend to use smaller boats and need to target higher priced fish like black sea bass, as opposed to scup, which is not productive at 50 cents a pound.

Read the full story at the Martha’s Vineyard Times

 

Seafood Icon, Northern Wind® to Introduce Its New Rebranded Captain’s Call Scallop Product Line at Seafood Expo North America

March 6, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The following was released by Northern Wind:

Northern Wind, an industry leader as a direct off-loader, processor and distributor of fresh and frozen scallops announced today it will be unveiling its new rebranding of its iconic Captain’s Call product line at Seafood Expo North America. The new identity includes a new brand logo, 1 lb. retail bag, 5 lb. foodservice bag, 5 lb. foodservice box and a 8 lb. fresh container. The rebranding also includes new product sell sheets and shipping boxes. Northern Wind has recently concluded a complete company wide rebranding that will be showcased at Seafood Expo North America that better reflects the many recent changes the company has undergone as well as its vision for the future.

Captain’s Call Scallops signify the most prized item…the best of the fisherman’s catch. That’s why Northern Wind named these scallops Captain’s Call; for all of those hard-charging seaworthy captains who make them their #1 choice. The new logo signifies that and is proudly displayed front and center in the re-designing of the packaging for both the retail and foodservice product lines.

“We wanted our new Captain’s Call brand identity to reflect our leadership position within the industry and our commitment to be the very best at what we do for our customers,” said George Kouri, CEO of Northern Wind.

Founded in 1987, and headquartered on the historic New Bedford, Massachusetts waterfront, Northern Wind’s state-of-the-art facility is certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce Seafood Inspection Program for packing of USDC Grade A Fresh and Frozen Scallops. Northern Wind was the first in the nation to receive Fair Trade™ Certification and during the 2017-18 fishing season purchased over 1 Million pounds of Fair Trade scallops. In addition, Northern Wind’s start-of-the-art processing facility is BRC and MSC certified.

Northern Wind offers a variety of different graded scallops under the Five Star Premium, Mariner’s Choice and Sea Spray brands. Northern Wind has seen explosive growth during the past three years increasing their market share among leading chain restaurants and through the mainstream supermarket channel.

As a direct off-loader of scallops, Northern Wind never compromises on the quality and safety of their scallops. Northern Wind’s state-of-the-art facility is the most advanced in the industry and was designed to meet today’s manufacturing regulatory demands, quality control and product traceability to ensure years of future growth.

“The past three years has been an exciting time for Northern Wind. Our customers now realize that they can capitalize on the scope and depth of our capabilities, which in turn has increased the demand for our products. This has directly led us to make new hires, implement our new branding and position us for future growth,” added Ken Melanson, Founder & Chairman of Northern Wind.

For 30 years, Northern Wind has earned its reputation for providing its customers with only the freshest All natural, wild caught and fleet harvested from the icy pure waters of the North Atlantic. Northern Wind is a member of the American Scallop Association and provides its customers with the freshest seafood products that have been responsibly harvested using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.

Read the release here.

 

New Bedford scallop business celebrating 30-year anniversary in Boston

March 6, 2018 — Fresh and frozen scallop processor and distributor Northern Wind is celebrating its 30-year anniversary in 2018, a testament to the fortitude of the fast-growing business, according to a recent company announcement.

Based out of New Bedford, Massachusetts, Northern Wind was founded in 1987 by Ken Melanson and Michael Fernandes and has since established itself as one the fastest growing seafood processing and distribution companies in the United States. The company sells scallops and seafood to customers worldwide and prides itself as a leading provider of “the freshest seafood products that have been responsibly harvested using sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.”

The last three decades have seen Northern Wind build strong relationships throughout New England and around the globe, and have helped the company embrace its identity as a top direct-off loader, processor and distributor of fresh and frozen scallops, said Melanson, founder and chairman of the company.

“Over the last 30 years, Northern Wind has not only remained strong throughout many economic ups and downs, but we’ve grown the business and we now serve well over 500 customers across the globe,” Melanson said. “First, our expertise at delivering top quality, responsibly sourced and sustainable scallops and fresh seafood is paramount in our success. Secondly, is our employee’s hard work and dedication to providing superior customer service which has enabled us to attract and retain hundreds of loyal customers.”

Northern Wind deals in fresh and frozen scallops as well as Ahi tuna, North Atlantic lobster, monkfish, headfish, skate and value-added seafood offerings. The business’s 70,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility is certified by the U.S. Department of Commerce Seafood Inspection Program for packing of USDC Grade A fresh and frozen scallops, and also bears stamps of approval from the Marine Stewardship Council and BRC.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

 

Gorton’s CEO bullish on seafood business

Long-term plan includes possibility of more jobs

March 2, 2018 — Gorton’s is navigating a gale of changing consumer trends and increasing global competition, pushing the venerable Gloucester seafood retailer to continually embrace innovation and change to retain its historic market presence, the company’s president said Thursday.

Judson Reis, speaking at the Cape Ann Chamber of Commerce’s annual economic outlook breakfast, also said the 170-year-old company — one of the nation’s oldest continually operating businesses — is committed to staying in Gloucester.

“It’s part of who we are, it’s part of our DNA,” Reis told breakfasters at The Gloucester House restaurant. “We’ve been here, next year it will be 170 years, so it’s very important part of who we are as a business. We are very committed to staying here.”

The only element that could alter that strategy is if Gorton’s, which operates in what Reis referred to as a “high-cost environment,” lost its ability to operate competitively in the frenzied international frozen seafood retail market.

“And I don’t think that is in the cards any time soon,” Reis said.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Times

 

New scallop catch limits could ease tensions in northern Gulf of Maine

March 1, 2018 — New limits on the amount of scallops that can be harvested in part of the Gulf of Maine should help ease tensions between smaller boats from Maine and larger scallop vessels from Massachusetts during the upcoming federal scallop season, which is expected to get under way on April 1.

With the new rules, fishing boats that are restricted by the number of days-at-sea they can operate — the vast majority of which are based in Massachusetts — for the first time will have to adhere to catch limits in the Northern Gulf of Maine federal fishing area, which runs from roughly three miles from shore out to about 50 miles.

Boats with federal permits that restrict the number of days they can fish but which are allowed to fish anywhere along the East Coast cumulatively can catch only 65,000 pounds of scallops this year in the northern Gulf of Maine. In addition, only days-at-sea vessels that are participating in approved research projects will be allowed to fish in the area.

Prior to this year such boats faced no catch limits for scallops in the northern gulf and did not have to participate in research projects. Smaller Maine boats permitted only for the northern gulf have been limited to catching 200 pounds a day and, as a group, 70,000 pounds a year.

Read the full story at the Bangor Daily News

 

Massachusetts: Trump’s offshore drilling plan panned at hearing

March 1, 2018 — Opponents of offshore drilling on Tuesday blasted President Donald Trump’s proposal to open up the New England coast to oil and gas exploration, saying the plan threatens the state’s fishing industry, coastal economies, public health and delicate marine life.

Officials from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management held a informational event about Trump’s plans in the Sheraton Hotel in Boston on Tuesday, but they only took written testimony from the public. They set up booths with experts to answer questions and a broadcast a video with information about the proposal.

Opponents staged a protest in another function room. Some wore lobster and shark costumes. Others held signs that read “Drilling is Killing.” A giant inflatable whale was displayed.

“Opening up our coast to offshore drilling would be terrible for Massachusetts,” Emily Norton, chapter director of the Massachusetts Sierra Club, told a packed room of opponents. “We will be fighting this with everything we’ve got, in the courts, on the streets and at the ballot box.”

Democratic attorneys general from a dozen coastal states — including Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey — have written Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke protesting the drilling plan. Tuesday’s hearing was one of dozens scheduled across the country through the end of March.

Democratic governors along both coasts unanimously oppose drilling, as do a number of Republican governors, including Massachusetts Gov. Charles Baker. Baker is scheduled to meet with Zinke on Sunday to discuss offshore drilling while he’s in Washington for the National Governors Association’s winter meeting.

Baker wrote to Zinke last year expressing concerns about the impact of oil exploration along the outer continental shelf on the state’s fishing industry and marine resources and ecosystems. He also noted the state’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and develop offshore wind resources.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Times

 

Gov. Charlie Baker, Massachusetts congressional delegation asks Trump administration to scrap offshore drilling plan

March 1, 2018 — Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker and all 11 members of the state’s congressional delegation urged the Trump administration this week to back away from its plan to open new areas off the United States’ East Coast to oil and gas drilling.

Baker, a Republican, joined Massachusetts congressional Democrats in calling on Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke to not include Massachusetts waters in the administration’s five-year drilling plan, which seeks to open areas from Florida to Maine for oil and gas exploration purposes, in a Tuesday letter.

Noting that the North Atlantic has largely not been eligible for oil and gas drilling for more than 30 years, Baker and Massachusetts congressional lawmakers said they “unequivocally” oppose efforts to open the area up for such exploration, as proposed in the administration’s National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing program for 2019 to 2024.

The lawmakers stressed that the Outer Continental Shelf’s resources and uses “are critically important to the health and well-being of Massachusetts;” support local, state and national economies; and “are intrinsic to the social fabric and heritage of our coastal communities.”

Baker and the Massachusetts congressional delegation offered, for example, that the state’s marine economy generated a total economic impact of more than $17.3 billion in output in 2015. That included revenue from tourism, marine trades and the fishing and seafood sectors, the lawmakers said.

The Port of New Bedford, they added, “continues to be the number one port in the U.S. for landings value, while Massachusetts ranks third in the nation for fisheries landings values and fifth for volume.”

Beyond the economic impact, Baker and Massachusetts lawmakers argued that the waters of the state’s coast are a vital habitat for endangered marine species and have significant potential for sustainable renewable energy, like wind power.

Read the full story at MassLive