Saving Seafood

Legit Fish rolls out the first cloud-based traceability technology for Massachusetts scallop and groundfish

March 8, 2018 — The following was released by Legit Fish:

Legit Fish (www.legitfishinc.com), a provider of advanced seafood logistics and traceability technology, today announced a deal with BASE New England who operates the largest seafood auction in New England and is based in New Bedford and Gloucester MA.

Legit Fish Inc. developed and is implementing this first of its kind, end to end logistics and traceability solution with Atlantic Coast Seafood Inc. (Boston MA). This innovative cloud-based software application provides the domestic seafood industry with operational efficiencies as well as new cutting-edge marketing tools, linking off-loading, government reporting, inventory management, sales, accounting and an industry leading traceability system. The traceability application utilizes a patient pending system which offers the retail trade an unmatched level of traceability based on verification against the official government harvest records.

On March 8th 2018, Legit Fish Inc. signed a contract to further develop this system with BASE New England. In addition to the software application developed in Boston, Legit Fish Inc. will be expanding this system by creating a custom Auction application which will offer a high level of versatility and functionality. The application runs on the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform. This technology solution provides auction participants with the ability to use their mobile devices to purchase seafood products on the Auction platform and allow vessels to transmit hail information direct into the software via a multi language voice response app. These advancements for BASE New England will allow them to clearly monitor “on the water” hail information as well as product sales compared to dealer reported federal records. These third-party compliance tools have positive implications for BASE New England and the port of New Bedford in their effort to reopen the New England Groundfish Fishery Sector IX. Considering NOAA’s requirement for increased accountability measures to the operations plan of Sector IX, this revolutionary app provides a substantial technological improvement for the fishery and the sector.

Legit Fish Inc. will be attending the 2018 Boston Seafood Show and will be available for both product demos and detailed explanations of this new innovative technology.

About Legit Fish Inc.
Legit Fish Inc. provides Seafood off-loaders a complete cost-efficient ERP solution. Our innovative cloud-based application can be integrated with various other systems and provides an industry leading traceability system that is verified to the official government harvest records. This new system offers supply chain participants and retailers complete confidence in the origin of their products as well as a new innovative solution to market products. Further information can be found at www.legitfishinc.com.

 

US suppliers in love with ‘seafood speed dating’

March 8, 2018 — The meeting Steve Costas had with a South Korean buyer at Food Export-Northeast’s 2017 “seafood speed dating” event, in Boston, Massachusetts, lasted just 20 minutes, scarcely more than a brief flirtation.

But less than a year later Marder Trawling, the New Bedford, Massachusetts-based supplier for which Costas is an account executive, wound up selling the Korean company a container filled with a mix of its wild-caught fish products.

Of course at seafood speed dating, there’s also the chance that the object of your affection will be swept away by another suitor.

“It’s always a friendly event and I believe there is a camaraderie amongst the suppliers even though you know in 30 minutes your customer or a potential customer will be meeting with a competitor who in most cases will be offering them the same species,” Costas told Undercurrent News.

Costas is back again in Boston, Massachusetts, this week along with representatives for no less than 17 seafood suppliers from the northeastern US, all hoping to move containers of fish and, fingers crossed, establish long-term relationships with one or more of the 15 buyers from no less than 13 countries also there.

South Korea will be represented again, as will China, Japan, Colombia, Spain and the United Arab Emirate to name a few. Almost all of the buyers are looking to acquire scallops and lobsters, though some also come from countries where dogfish, monkfish and skate are in demand, all products sold by Marder Trawling using its recently acquired dock in Chatham, Massachusetts.

Read the full story at Undercurrent News

 

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

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

 

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

 

NOAA leader looks to cultivate culture of collaboration

March 1, 2018 — As debuts go, Mike Pentony’s first day on the job as the regional director for NOAA’s Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries Office was a corker.

The federal government marked his ascension on Jan. 22 as only the federal government can — shutting down all but the most essential government services as a consequence of the usual congressional mumbley-peg.

“My first action was to come in and proceed with the orderly shutdown of government operations,” Pentony said recently during an interview in the corner office on the uppermost floor of GARFO headquarters in Gloucester’s Blackburn Industrial Park.

The respite was short-lived. The shutdown lasted a day. When it was over, the 53-year-old Pentony began his new job in earnest as the leader of the regional agency that manages some of the most historically productive — and at times contentious — fisheries in the United States.

It is, as his successor John K. Bullard would attest, a monumental task, working on a canvas that stretches geographically along the Eastern seaboard from Maine to North Carolina and west to the Great Lakes.

But the geographical sweep pales in comparison to the scope and density of the regulations Pentony is charged with enforcing.

There is the crisis of cod in the Gulf of Maine, the alarming demise of the North Atlantic right whales, the malfeasance of cheaters such as New Bedford fishing kingpin Carlos Rafael and a myriad of other issues that affect every fishing community within his purview.

There is incessant wrangling over habitat protections, the usual tug-of-war between environmentalists and conservationists on one side and fishermen on the other. It is a drama with a disparate cast of characters and Pentony is convinced the only way to address extraordinarily intricate problems — usually requiring even more intricate responses — is by forging a collaborative spirit.

“I want to try to develop a culture, not just within GARFO and the agency, but within the region, both mid-Atlantic and New England, where we’re all partners with a collective goal of healthy fisheries and healthy fishing communities.” Pentony said. “The problems and challenges are so huge that we’re only stronger if we’re working together.”

He also understands, given the varying degrees of conflict that exist among fisheries stakeholders, that achieving that collaboration will be far more difficult than contemplating its benefits.

“There’s always going to be people that find it easier to stand outside the circle and throw stones than to get inside the circle and work,” Pentony said. “If they stand outside the circle and just shout about how everything is wrong, that generally doesn’t do much to solve the problem.”

Campaign of engagement

Pentony served under Bullard as assistant regional administrator for sustainable fisheries starting in 2014. He was asked what advice his predecessor gave him.

“He told me there are a lot of people cheering and hoping for your success,” Pentony said. “Not just me personally, but if I’m successful, then the regional office can be successful and the agency can be successful. And if you tie that success to our mission, then our success would mean healthy, sustainable fisheries, healthy and sustainable resources and healthy and sustainable fishing communities.”

Pentony made his fishery management bones as a staff member at the New England Fishery Management Council prior to joining NOAA Fisheries in 2002. That experience, he said, instilled in him a solid faith in the ability of the council system to ultimately arrive at the best decision once all implications are considered.

“I’ve been involved with the council process for 20 years,” Pentony said. “It’s not perfect. But I have a ton of respect for the work and effort council members put into being informed and working through what I think is unique in the federal regulatory process. We have this incredibly unique process that engages stakeholders.”

Pentony didn’t even wait for his first official day in the big chair to begin his own campaign of engagement.

The Friday before his official starting date, he traveled to the Yankee Fishermen’s Cooperative in Seabrook, New Hampshire, to meet with David Goethel — a frequent critic of NOAA Fisheries — and other New Hampshire fishermen to give them a sense of how he plans to approach the job.

Later that day, he had lunch in Gloucester with Vito Giacalone and Jackie Odell of the Northeast Seafood Coalition. He’s also traveled to Maine to breakfast with Maggie Raymond of the Associated Fisheries of Maine and met with New Jersey fishing companies and processors while in the Garden State on personal business.

Read the full story at the Gloucester Times

 

Massachusetts: NOAA’s ban suffocating shoreside industry in New Bedford

March 1, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — The hits keep coming from NOAA’s groundfishing ban with financial losses spreading to businesses that support New Bedford’s fishing fleet.

“No one ever really paid attention to our shoreside businesses,” manager of Reidar’s Trawl Gear and Marine Supply Tor Bendiksen said. “We’re the last of the group. We all remember when there was companies like ours up and down this entire coast. The only reason that we’ve all survived in New Bedford is because we had not only groundfishing but we have the scallop industry to support us. But this one little incident with how important groundfish is has put us all to our knees.”

It’s been three months since NOAA installed a groundfishing ban on Sector IX, which halted operations of about 80 fishermen.

Though, the collateral damage of the ban extends beyond fishermen.

Virginia Martins, the president of Sector IX, also is the president of Bay Fuel, which has sold more than 1 million fewer gallons of gas this year compared to past sales.

John Reardon, also a board member and general manager at Hercules SLR, said sales of safety marine equipment is down 50 percent since the ban.

Bendiksen, a Sector IX board member, said sales at Reidar’s are down 30 percent. Reidar’s, which employs 14 people, manufactures fishing nets. In the past, a fisherman’s net would be in his shop at least once a week. Since November, they’ve done three total.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

 

Massachusetts: Senate candidate Geoff Diehl talks with SouthCoast fishing industry

February 28, 2018 — NEW BEDFORD, Mass. — Geoff Diehl cruised around the Port of New Bedford in an RV Tuesday that maneuvered in and out of small entrances and exits. The red, white, and blue mobile home featured the slogan of the Republican U.S. Senate candidate, “The Real Diehl,” as he looked to learn the reality of the fishing industry in the area.

“If I’m going to be voting on any legislation that affects any industry,” Diehl said, “I better darn well be listening to the people who work in that field.”

Diehl made four stops in the area, which began with Mayor Jon Mitchell and concluded with a meeting with three members on the board of Sector 9 as well as the sector’s lawyer.

He spoke with the sector for more than a half hour as the members provided details of ban installed by NOAA that’s prevented about 80 fishermen from groundfishing since November.

“This thing that happened here showed how tragic it is for the support businesses,” Tor Bendiksen, manager of Reidar’s Trawl Gear and Marine Supply, said.

Diehl questioned what incumbent Sen. Elizabeth Warren has done to facilitate discussions between NOAA. The sector said it’s only met with U.S Rep. Bill Keating’s office, while it’s incurred challenges trying to meet with the Warren and Sen. Ed Markey.

“This is one of the most important industries in Massachusetts,” Diehl said before promising to look into the issue immediately.

Following Diehl’s meeting with Mitchell, the current state representative serving Plymouth’s 7th District stopped at New England Marine Engineering and Supply Inc. There, he spoke with President Paul Nosworthy, who emphasized that fishermen aren’t destroying the ocean.

“They’re blaming it all on the fishermen,” Nosworthy said. “But when you stop and you think about what the chemical companies and the sewer treatment guys, what they’re putting in the ocean is killing, literally killing (marine life).”

From North Front Street in New Bedford, Diehl crossed the the port and even waited in a bridge closure delay before discussing commercial fishing with Patrick Hughes II at Blue Harvest Fisheries in Fairhaven.

Read the full story at the New Bedford Standard-Times

 

Bipartisan Legislation Seeks Sustainable Growth for Fishing and Farming $50 Million Bond Bill to Support Local Food Production

February 26, 2018 — BOSTON — The following was released by the Office of Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr:

With an eye toward supporting two major food producing industries, Senator Bruce Tarr (R- Gloucester), has authored a bill intended to stimulate research and development, innovation, and energy efficiencies to support and strengthen expand fishing and farming in Massachusetts.

The bill creates two innovation funds, one for fishing the other for agriculture, and each is  designed to foster economic growth and sustainability by prioritizing the awarding of grants and technical assistance for; fuel efficiency, carbon emission reductions, sustainable practices, safety equipment, research and development, and food processing.

Designed to accelerate the direct application of recent advances in technology, food processing techniques, and changing market condition, the bill establishes funding mechanisms which will distribute grants to support farming and commercial fisheries.

“From Cape Ann to Cape Cod and from Boston to the Berkshires we are experiencing a rise in interest in conserving and protecting our natural resources, yet the people responding to that interest need our help.  By carefully targeting state funds we can help those traditional local business to survive while creating sustainable environments for them to grow,”said Tarr.

“Hardworking fishermen and farmers have played a pivotal role in our economy for generations,” said Rules Chairman Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford).  “I am pleased to join Senator Tarr on this bipartisan legislation to better support our local fishing and agricultural industries so that they may continue to strengthen our economy in the face of increasing pressure and burdensome regulations.”

“Farmers and fishermen have been the backbone of our agricultural economy here in Massachusetts for centuries,” said Senator Gobi (D-Spencer), Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “With this funding and further technological enhancement across these industries we can ensure that our producers stay ahead of the curve while maintaining a sustainable level of growth and development.”

Each fund will be supported by an advisory committee appointed by the Governor and comprised of experts and industry leaders from diverse perspectives and geographic locations.  The commercial fishing advisory committee will include experts in marine sciences and will include representatives who fish with different gear types including trawls, hooks, gillnets, and traps; the panel will be led by the Director of the Division of Marine Fisheries.

“This legislation is a light at the end of the tunnel, “said Angela Sanfilippo President of the Gloucester Fishermen’s Wives Association, a non- profit organization which promotes New England fishing industry. “Fishing is difficult, there are so many regulations and it’s tough to stay afloat and keep the boats and keep the infrastructure up to date. We need to revitalize our infrastructure that’s in place now and this bill will help us to do that and be ready as fishing regulation will allow us to catch more fish for consumers to keep them healthy.”

The Commissioner of the Department of Agricultural Resources will chair a 13 member panel of farmers representing horticulture, crop raising, cranberry growing, dairy farming, and the livestock raising sectors of the state, under provisions of the bill.

“Agriculture changes over time and is continually faced with new challenges,” said Ed Davidian, President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau.  “The funding proposed by Senator Tarr in this bill will help ensure that Massachusetts farmers remain leaders in innovation, and can continue to provide fresh, healthy food to the people of the Commonwealth.

“As the Commonwealth seeks to develop, incentivize and grow new industries, it cannot turn its back on the traditional economic foundations of our society. In working to create jobs in emerging technologies, we cannot abandon those who have worked the land and the sea for generations,” said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D- Gloucester).  “This bill seeks to guarantee the Commonwealth’s prominence as a leader in a diversified economy, respecting the labors of all its citizens.”

“We lead the nation in public and private marine research and our contributions to the country’s agricultural heritage are renowned; it’s vital that we support these industries, which go all the way back to our colonial history,” said Tarr.  “Farmers and fishermen work hard, we should support them with capital and by connecting them with resources to help them prosper and grow.”

According to a report by UMass Dartmouth, the state’s maritime economy is responsible for more than 90,000 jobs.  The report points to the need for infrastructure improvement to expand capacity and growth.  With 2,000 miles of coastline, annual sales of fish and other seafood in Massachusetts top more than $2 Billion.

The state also claims more than 8,000 farms which generate more than 16,000 jobs.  Agricultural activity ranging from dairy farming, cranberry growing, fruit and vegetable farming, and raising livestock and poultry take place over hundreds of thousands of acres requiring vast resources to operate efficiently and effectively.

The bill was filed today in the Senate with bipartisan support.

More from Senator Tarr is available here.