Saving Seafood

Seafood meets grill: GSMC analysts pick top 2022 trends

January 19, 2022 — Fresh and frozen seafood hit record sales in 2021, and analysts speaking at the National Fisheries Institute’s Global Seafood Market Conference (GSMC) in Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. on Tuesday, 18 January expect the positive sales trend to continue.

The frozen seafood category realized “amazing numbers” last year, IRI Senior Vice President Protein Practice Chris DuBois said, as sales rose 2.8 percent compared to 2020 and 40.8 percent versus 2019 to USD 7.2 billion (EUR 6.3 billion).

Read the full story at SeafoodSource

NFI President John Connelly Announces Planned 2023 Retirement

January 18, 2022 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

John Connelly discussed with the NFI Board of Directors today his intention to retire from NFI in February 2023.  He has served as NFI President since February 2003.

“I very much appreciate working with member company leaders and an excellent and dedicated staff in creating the strong foundation on which NFI can build,” Connelly said.  “The NFI Officers have emphasized over the past two years the importance of an orderly transition and thoughtful succession planning. Announcing this decision now allows NFI leadership the necessary time to engage NFI members to gain critical input as we choose a new president for the future.”

Kim Gorton, President and CEO of Slade Gorton and Company, will lead a Search Committee.  “I am pleased that the Board today approved a search committee comprised of  leaders from various member companies who represent a wide range of experiences and viewpoints,” said Gorton. An important part of this process will be to hear the views of NFI membership regarding NFI’s mission and key objectives over the next decade, and in particular, how NFI can continue to create value for its members. We want to ensure we select the right leader for what NFI members expect and need in the coming years, and not just based on where we are now in 2022.”

“In addition to NFI’ s ongoing technical, communications and advocacy work, this year we have the opportunity to think about the future.  The Board looks forward to working with Kim and John to ensure a robust and smooth succession process,” said NFI Chair Mike Breivik.

Search Committee members include Kim Gorton (Slade Gorton), Joe Bundrant (Trident Seafoods), Ellen Clarry (Ruby Tuesday), Justin Conrad (Bay Hill and Libby Hill), Jeff Stern (Central Seaway), Jan Tharp (Bumble Bee Foods), and Sylvia Wulf (AquaBounty)

 

Antiquities Act Wrong Tool For Marine Monuments, Say Dozens of Industry Sectors in Letter to Biden

December 21, 2021 — From fishermen to miners, including the American Petroleum Institute and the National Fisheries Institute, 91 individuals signed a letter to President Biden last week urging him to not use the Antiquities Act when designating marine monuments.

The group, representing more than two dozen businesses and communities across the country, cited Biden’s “calls for the administration to establish “fully and highly protected areas” in 30% of the U.S. ocean by 2030, including through marine monuments designated under the Antiquities Act.”

They said concern was heightened by recent decisions to restore a commercial fishing ban in the Northeast Canyons and Seamounts Marine National Monument and “… join the High Level Panel for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, which commits the United States to actions that could lead to further prohibitions,” according to the letter.

“In furtherance of your efforts to unleash the full potential of the nation’s economy and address the impact of rising prices on the American people, and in recognition of your acknowledgement of the essential role that the ocean plays in our economy and livelihoods, … [we]… urge your support for using science-based and transparent processes when considering actions to manage the ocean for current and future generations,” the December 15 letter stated.

Read the full story at Seafood News

VIDEO RELEASE: How Supply Chain Challenges Impact Seafood

December 1, 2021 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

The National Fisheries Institute has developed a new 90 second video that illustrates many of the supply chain challenges the seafood community is facing and how the current “fixes” don’t actually fix the problems. In fact, in some cases they make things worse. Watch the Video here and or find it on the front page of AboutSeafood.com

 

JOHN FIORILLO: Are plant-based seafood labels really misleading? Judge for yourself.

November 4, 2021 — Imitation may be the sincerest form flattery, as the proverb says, but when it comes to plant-based seafood look-alikes, imitation is nothing but controversy.

The seafood industry does not find the continued growth of plant-based seafood alternatives, which the seafood industry says are intentionally masquerading as fish and shellfish to fool consumers, flattering in any way. Rather, it is outright fraud, say seafood producers.

The issue was thrust back into the spotlight last week when the National Fisheries Institute (NFI), the leading US seafood trade association, stepped up its call to stop plant-based seafood manufacturers from labeling their products as seafood and gaining an “unfair marketing advantage.”

NFI President John Connelly, speaking at the Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) annual meeting, said the issue is among the most frustrating he has dealt with in the seafood industry over the past five years.

I certainly agree that transparent and accurate labeling is a must for any product, and for sure many companies dance that fine line of marketing and misleading messaging.

Read the full opinion piece at IntraFish

National Fisheries Institute Statement on the Passing of Peter Cardone

August 23, 2021 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

With the passing, on 21 August, of Harbor Seafood founder Peter Cardone, the seafood community has lost a pioneer, a leader, and a truly charitable soul.

Pete started as a chef in New York City and built his vision into a company that sources globally and continues to innovate. He did so while helping others and an industry that he loved. Few NFI members could resist the “Cardone Call” when he would telephone asking they support a charitable cause. He is a past Chairman of the National Fisheries Institute and his guidance and generosity will be missed.

Pete’s wife, Josephine, his family, and his many, many friends are in our thoughts and prayers.

In lieu of flowers, the Cardone family requests donations be made to Sacred Heart of Jesus Church 215-35 38th Ave, Bayside NY 11361, In memory of Peter Cardone.

NFI Welcomes New Director of Public Policy

August 16, 2021 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

The National Fisheries Institute announces it has hired Morgan Bell as its new Director, Public Policy. Bell spent four years as a part of Massachusetts Congressman Seth Moulton’s staff. Among other duties, she served as both a Regional Director and as a Fisheries Policy Advisor to the Congressman

“We’re thrilled to have Morgan on board,” said NFI’s Vice President for Government Affairs, Robert DeHaan. “She brings a unique perspective to our work that combines fisheries policy and sustainability with trade and commerce. It’s a valuable mix that will greatly benefit NFI’s members.”

Bell earned a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from Tufts University’s Fletcher School of International Affairs.

“Morgan was the local, district, and federal fisheries liaison for a Hill office. She knows fisheries from water to table,” said NFI Chairman, Seattle Fish President & CEO, Derek Figueroa. “Seafood isn’t just wild capture or aquaculture, imports or exports.  It’s all of those things. Having a professional who understands that policy impacts the entire value chain is vital. I am excited to see Morgan bring her expertise and passion to NFI’s important work representing our members.”

Bell grew up in Gloucester, Massachusetts and did her undergraduate studies at Wheaton College in Massachusetts.

“From policy and funding matters on the Hill, to promotion of sustainable aquaculture and blue technology innovation, seafood is a common thread running through my professional and academic work as well as my personal background,” said Bell. “Joining NFI is a natural next step, and I am excited about the challenge.”

NFI members will have the opportunity to meet Bell during the association’s 2021 Political Conference in Washington, D.C., starting September 20.

National Fisheries Institute Statement on NOAA’s IUU Report to Congress

August 13, 2021 — The following was released by the National Fisheries Institute:

NOAA’s 2021 Biennial Report to Congress on Improving International Fisheries Management, released today, is an example of a tool used to effectively fight Illegal Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing.

The report identifies 31 nations and or entities that are either engaged in pirate fishing or not doing enough to stop destructive fishing practices.

Enforcement of rules that deny dubious actors entry to U.S. ports and institute import restrictions are key to successfully rooting out IUU. At the same time, the report lauds countries like Ecuador and Korea for redoubling their efforts to stop IUU fishing in their waters.

NOAA Fisheries’ commitment to cracking down on IUU is on display in this report and should be applauded.

Safe Catch tuna mercury ad claims panned as misleading by BBB, NFI

July 20, 2021 — The Better Business Bureau’s National Advertising Division (NAD) has determined pouched and canned tuna supplier Safe Catch provided a “reasonable basis” for several mercury and sustainability ad claims, but recommended that others be modified or discontinued.

The National Fisheries Institute (NFI), a trade group representing the U.S. seafood industry including some of the largest processors of canned and pouched tuna in the United States, requested the review of Safe Catch’s ad claims.

Read the full story at Seafood Source