Saving Seafood

SNP Celebrates GivingTuesday with Month of Thanks

November 17, 2020 — The following was released by the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:

Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is responding to meet the needs of helping Americans stay healthy with seafood and driving demand to the U.S. seafood community through the Eat Seafood America! campaign. As a 501(c)3 non-profit reliant on public donations, SNP is asking everyone that is able to make a tax-deductible donation in honor of GivingTuesday, December 1, 2020.

GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement, unleashing the power of people and organizations to transform their communities and their world. GivingTuesday will kick off the generosity season this year by inspiring people to give back on December 1, 2020, and throughout the year. Seafood Nutrition Partnership has set a goal of raising $25,000 by December 1, 2020.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the global GivingTuesday movement and highlighting the work of Seafood Nutrition Partnership through this campaign,” said Linda Cornish, President of Seafood Nutrition Partnership. “Donations support SNP’s work to further advances and awareness in seafood nutrition science, educate health and nutrition influencers, and reach consumers through Eat Seafood America! campaign.

“We can’t do this important work without all of our donors. Please join us on this global day of giving!”

Join Linda Cornish live on SNP’s Instagram channel @Seafood4Health at 2 pm ET Tuesday, December 1 for our first Insta-thon!

For the weeks leading up to GivingTuesday, SNP is celebrating with a Month of Thanks, honoring those who have helped us and all Americans get through a tough year, including the restaurants and grocery stores that have nourished and provided sustenance for us.

SNP is sharing ways you can express generosity right from your own home:

  • Thank Restaurants. Order seafood meals from you favorite restaurants, post a photo of your meals and add #eatseafoodamerica #thankyourestaurants.
  • Thank Grocery Stores. Make a seafood meal, post a photo of your meal and add #eatseafoodamerica #thankyougrocers
  • Thank Fishermen and Seafood Farmers. Plan to make a seafood dish for Thanksgiving and add #eatseafoodamerica #thanksgiving.

Read the full release here

Northern Lights: Eat Seafood, America!

October 5, 2020 — “Eat Seafood, America!” is the driving message of an effort aimed at helping Americans stay healthy during this covid-19 public health crisis as well as boosting the U.S. seafood economy, supporting the 2 million American workers in the seafood industry.

This rapid-response initiative launched in early April has been successful in encouraging consumers to eat more fish and shellfish. Of consumers surveyed in June and July, those who reported seeing the Eat Seafood, America! messaging were three times more likely to have increased their seafood consumption in the last two months.

Supported by the newly formed Seafood4Health Action Coalition of more than 46 organizations (full list is available at eatseafoodamerica.com), convened by Seafood Nutrition Partnership, this unified consumer outreach campaign works to help Americans build habits to eat more sustainable seafood. In the first four months, the integrated consumer outreach campaign earned nearly 300 million potential impressions.

Read the full opinion piece at National Fisherman

Red Lobster’s Chief Supply Chain Officer Joins SNP Board

September 9, 2020 — The following was released by the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:

The Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is pleased to announce Nelson Griffin of Red Lobster® is joining its Board of Directors. Griffin, a veteran of foodservice and consumer package good procurement and supply chain management, brings a wealth of experience and thought leadership to SNP as it strengthens its outreach to encourage even more Americans to eat sustainable seafood for better health through consumer-facing campaigns such as Eat Seafood, America!

Griffin is Senior Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Red Lobster, the world’s largest casual dining seafood restaurant company, based in Orlando, Florida. In his current role, he is responsible for leading all the supply chain related activities, which includes over $900MM of food, beverages, all supplies including kitchen equipment, product distribution and travel services for more than 700 restaurants around the world. In addition, he oversees the Total Quality department that is responsible for food safety, product quality and restaurant inspections.

“I am honored to join the Seafood Nutrition Partnership Board of Directors,” Griffin said. “I admire and respect the diverse Board and the important work the organization is doing to help move the needle on seafood consumption in the U.S.”

Prior to joining Red Lobster, Griffin served in several roles at Darden Restaurants, Inc., most recently as Vice President of Supply Chain. Previously, he was Director of Strategic Procurement for Kellogg’s and served in a variety of roles for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

“We are thrilled to have Nelson join the Board,” SNP Board Chair Steve Hart said. “He brings decades of experience in supply chain best practices that will provide great direction for the future of SNP, and he believes in the importance of bringing healthy sustainable seafood to consumers.”

Read the full release here

Eat Seafood America! campaigns boosts consumption

August 28, 2020 — Americans are eating more seafood and cooking it more often at home, thanks in part to a nationwide campaign rolled out in early April.

The rapid-response Eat Seafood America! campaign, led by Seafood Nutrition Partnership and the Seafood4Health Coalition, was launched to help Americans stay healthy during the COVID-19 public health crisis as well as help boost the U.S. seafood economy, SNP said in a press release.

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Announcing the lineup for 4th annual State of the Science

August 28, 2020 — The following was released by the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:

The Seafood Nutrition Partnership’s (SNP) Scientific and Nutrition Advisory Council is delighted to host the fourth annual State of the Science Symposium online on Thursday, September 17.

Sessions at this year’s symposium include: Dietary Guidelines 2020-2025, Seafood Consumption & Neurocognitive Development, and Seafood for Planetary Health and Economic Health. Educational presentations will combine technical analysis with more digestible points for non-specialists, making it accessible to a wide range of audience members and industries.

The full agenda is available at seafoodnutrition.org/soss. Register for tickets to State of the Science here.

Eat Seafood America! Messaging Drives Consumers to Eat More Seafood During COVID-19 Crisis

August 17, 2020 — The following was released by the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:

Eat Seafood America!, a rapid-response initiative launched in early April aimed at helping Americans stay healthy during the COVID-19 public health crisis as well as help boost the U.S. seafood economy, has been successful in encouraging consumers to eat more fish and shellfish. Of consumers surveyed in June and July, those who reported seeing the Eat Seafood America! messaging were three times more likely to have increased their seafood consumption in the last two months.

Supported by the newly formed Seafood4Health Action Coalition of 44 organizations (full list is available at eatseafoodamerica.com), convened by Seafood Nutrition Partnership, this unified consumer outreach campaign works to help Americans build habits to eat more sustainable seafood. As the Eat Seafood America! momentum continues, heading into September and October for National Seafood Month, additional organizations have joined the coalition along with retail partners, including Giant Eagle, H-E-B, Hy-Vee, Meijer and Publix.

Read the full press release online.

Today’s DGAC Report Says Moms & Kids Need More Seafood

July 15, 2020 — The following was released by the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:

The 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC) released its final scientific report that will serve as the foundation for the development of the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. The DGAC final report, comprised of 835 pages, has positive findings for seafood consumption.

  •  Seafood consumption before pregnancy may be related to reduced risk of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders.
  • Consumption during pregnancy may be related to reduced risk of hypertensive disorders and preterm birth and better cognitive development and language and communication development in children.
  • Women who are lactating should continue to consume seafood at the same amounts recommended during pregnancy.
  • Provide good sources of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, such as seafood, beginning at ages 6 to 12 months, and prioritize seafood for toddlers ages 12 to 24 months.

Read the full release here

SNP offering tips to Americans cooking seafood at home

April 6, 2020 — As frozen, fresh, and canned/pouched seafood sales continue to break records in the United States, consumers need help preparing the seafood they have purchased. To that end, the Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP) is offering a new Instagram Live and video series – which started on 1 April – as well as a new resource on budget-friendly seafood options, and other materials.

“A bright side of this unfortunate public health situation is that more people are at home experimenting with new recipes, learning to cook different foods, and having fun improvising with the items in their pantry,” SNP President Linda Cornish told SeafoodSource. “We hope people come out of this experience feeling more confident cooking with seafood and we are here to help them along the journey.”

Read the full story at Seafood Source

Marine Stewardship Council’s Advice for Heart Health Month

February 5, 2020 — The following was released by the Marine Stewardship Council:

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), a nonprofit with the sole mission to make sure the wild seafood you love is around forever, is encouraging consumers to eat more seafood during February Heart Health Month and all year long. The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends eating two, 3.5 ounce servings of seafood each week; however, USDA reports show a majority of Americans don’t meet the recommendation for fish and shellfish consumption.

The AHA and USDA recommendations are based on heart-health benefits shown from consuming one to two servings of omega-3 rich seafood per week, or about 250-500 mg of omega-3s a day, according to nonprofit organization and MSC partner Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP). One study[1] found that eating one to two servings of fatty fish a week reduces the risk of dying from heart disease by 36%.

“Fish and shellfish are very important parts of a heart-healthy diet,” said SNP’s Valerie Agyeman, a registered dietitian. “Seafood is a major source of healthy omega-3 fats and are also rich in nutrients such as vitamin D and selenium, high in protein, and low in saturated fat. There is strong evidence that eating fish or taking fish oil is good for the heart and blood vessels.”

According to a 2018 GlobeScan study commissioned by MSC, 70% of Americans believe supermarkets’ and brands’ claims about sustainability should be clearly labeled by an independent organization. As the first global science-based seafood certification program to be recognized for rigor and credibility by the United Nations, the MSC blue fish label is meeting increasing consumer demand for independent verification of sustainability claims by brands. The MSC works with the fishing industry, scientists, and conservation groups to create the world’s leading standard for sustainable seafood ensuring seafood is fished from stocks with healthy populations; caught with minimal impact on the marine environment; and in an area with effective, responsive, and responsible management.

“Eating seafood is integral to our heart health, and choosing sustainable seafood is integral to the ocean’s health,“ said Amy Gorin, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian in New York City. “For us, seafood provides essential nutrients – including omega-3 fatty acids needed for heart, brain and eye health. For the oceans, choosing sustainable seafood – such as wild-caught fish labeled with the MSC blue fish – means choosing seafood that’s good for you and for the oceans, too.”

Throughout Heart Health Month, the MSC will offer recipe inspiration on its blog and on social channels – @MSCBlueFish on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. Seafood dishes made with MSC certified fish are good for the entire family – from approachable, easy meals the entire family will love to sustainably-sourced pet food for your furry family members – continuing the conversation around seafood that’s good for you and good for the ocean.

“There are more than 3,000 products with the MSC blue fish label in U.S. stores,” said Brian Perkins, regional director for the Americas at the MSC Marine Stewardship Council. “Whether recipes call for frozen, canned or fresh fish, taking the simple step to look for the MSC blue fish label before you buy helps to protect oceans from overfishing, supports fishermen and fishing communities, and promotes traceability from ocean to dish.”

New Scientific Paper Shows Seafood Consumption Critical for Brain Development

October 16, 2019 — The following was released by the Seafood Nutrition Partnership:

A new paper published by a group of 13 leading dietary fats scientists highlights the tremendous health benefits from consuming seafood for infant and adolescent brain development. Among the key findings of the systematic review is an average 7.7 IQ point gain in children whose mothers ate seafood during pregnancy compared to mothers who did not eat seafood.

“Relationships between seafood consumption during pregnancy and childhood and neurocognitive development: two systematic reviews” (PLEFA) uncovered 44 scientific studies since 2000 that collectively show the importance of consuming seafood by moms to support the brain development of their babies as well as the need for children to consume more fish and shellfish.

“There is a lost opportunity for IQ when mothers are not eating enough seafood,” the paper’s lead author, Capt. Joseph Hibbeln, MD, Acting Chief, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, said at the State of the Science Symposium.

The 13 scientists formed a technical expert collaborative to address two questions posed by the 2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee (DGAC), and utilized the USDA’s Nutrition Evidence Systematic Review to evaluate the science following the DGAC prescribed review process.

Highlights from the paper, which evaluates studies on 102,944 mother-offspring pairs and 25,031 children, includes:

  • Twenty-four studies reported that seafood consumption among mothers was associated with beneficial outcomes to neurocognition on some or all of the tests administered to their children. The beneficial outcomes appeared on tests administered as early as three days of age and as late as 17 years in age.
  • This scientific review shows children gain an average of 7.7 full IQ points when their moms ate seafood during pregnancy compared to moms that did not eat seafood. The size of benefits for IQ ranged from 5.6 to 9.5 points.
  • In addition to IQ, measures of neurocognitive outcomes included verbal, visual and motor skill development, scholastic achievement, and four specifically looked at hyperactivity and ADHD diagnoses. One finding showed that children of mothers not eating oily seafood had nearly three times greater risks of hyperactivity.
  • Benefits to neurocognitive development began at the lowest amounts of seafood consumed in pregnancy (one serving or about 4 oz per week) and some studies looked at greater than 100 oz. per week. No adverse effects of seafood consumption were found for neurocognition in any of the 44 publications, indicating that there may be no upper limit to seafood’s benefits for brain development.
  • Seafood contains protein, vitamins B-6, B-12 and D, and omega-3 fatty acids that as a whole package contributes to these important outcomes. This systematic review looks at seafood as opposed to any single nutrient.

“The risk is not eating enough seafood — the benefits are so substantial for the development of baby brains, eyes and overall nervous system,” said J. Thomas Brenna, PhD, an author of the paper and a member of the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee.

These findings are consistent with a technical report from the American Academy of Pediatrics earlier this year that emphasized the importance of fish and called attention to the fact that U.S. children are not eating enough seafood. Additionally, Health Canada, the European Food Safety Authority, and World Health Organization have all stated the importance of seafood for brain development.

The authors of the paper, or the technical expert collaborative who conducted the systematic review, include: Capt. Joseph Hibbeln, MD; Philip Spiller, JD; J. Thomas Brenna, PhD; Jean Golding, PhD; Bruce Holub, PhD; William Harris, PhD; Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RDN; Bill Lands, PhD; Sonja Connor, MS, RDN, LD; Gary Myers, MD; J.J. Strain, PhD; Michael A Crawford, PhD; and Susan Carlson, PhD. None of the scientists were paid to conduct this review, all were voluntary, and do not have a conflict of interest.

An additional paper, “An abundance of seafood consumption studies presents new opportunities to evaluate effects on neurocognitive development,” published in PLEFA provides more background on the systematic review paper.