August 2, 2019 — The 2018 NOAA report on the status of U.S. fisheries has been released, and reveals that environmental factors are having the most impact on stocks that are overfished.
The report, which NOAA puts together every year, indicates that less species were subject to overfishing in 2018 than in 2017 – 28 versus 30 – a year that saw all-time low numbers of overfishing and overfished stocks. That means more than 90 percent of stocks are being fished at a sustainable level.
August 2, 2019 — The following was released by NOAA:
Today, NOAA released the 2018 Status of U.S. Fisheries Annual Report to Congress that details the status of 479 federally-managed stocks or stock complexes in the U.S. to identify which stocks are subject to overfishing, are overfished, or are rebuilt to sustainable levels.
Building upon the trend of the past few years, the report notes that the vast majority of U.S. fish stocks were at sustainable population levels in 2018, and the number of U.S. fish stocks subject to overfishing remains at a near all-time low. The report also documents a newly-rebuilt stock, smooth skate in the Gulf of Maine. This brings the total number of rebuilt U.S. marine fish stocks to 45 since the year 2000, an encouraging indicator that the U.S. fishery management system is achieving its long-term sustainability goals.
“The U.S. is an international leader in fisheries management, and through our work in partnership with the regional councils, we’re on track to maintain that high standard,” said Rear Admiral Timothy Gallaudet, Ph.D., NOAA’s assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere. “Our fishing communities continue to succeed and contribute to the Blue Economy. In 2016 alone, U.S. commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and the seafood industry generated $212 billion in sales, contributed $100 billion to the gross domestic product, and supported 1.7 million full- and part-time jobs.”
July 16, 2019 — The following was released by the International Pole & Line Foundation & International Seafood Sustainability Foundation:
A new guidebook detailing science-based best-practices for maximising catch value and also minimising the environmental impacts of these fisheries is today jointly published by and the International Pole & Line Foundation (IPNLF) and the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF).
The Skippers’ Guidebook to Pole-and-Line Fishing Best Practices has been written by fishers, marine scientists and pole-and-line experts. Aimed at one-by-one fishers and fishery stakeholders, the Guidebook offers practical advice on conducting these artisanal tuna fishing operations — from capture to handling and storage methods.
As highlighted in the Guidebook, pole-and-line fishing has gained attention as a responsible method of harvesting tuna. With the growing consumer awareness about the sustainability of seafood resources, this Guidebook is well placed to provide a resource for fishers globally to optimise the efficiency of their operations, maximise catch quality and recognise and address the environmental impacts of their activities in order to reach the increasing demand for pole-and-line caught products.
Topics covered by the guidebook include:
The chapters include a comprehensive series of examples and recommendations to help pole-and-line fishers understand and implement best-practise guidance.
Dr. Victor Restrepo, Vice President of Science at ISSF, says: “ISSF is committed to the long-term conservation and sustainable use of global tuna fisheries. That commitment drives the publication of the ISSF Skippers Guidebook series for longline and purse seine vessel fishers, as well as our observer guidebook — sharing best practices with those stakeholders on the front lines of the collaborative work toward sustainable fisheries. Having expert advisors on our respective science committees in common, ISSF is pleased to partner with the International Pole and Line Foundation in expanding such science-based guidance to the pole-and-line sector.”
Martin Purves, Managing Director of IPNLF, adds: “We believe the Skippers’ Guidebook will prove an important, practical resource not only for the many thousands of pole-and-line fishers around the world, but also for all those many more people connected to these supply chains. The profile of pole-and-line fishing has reached new levels, not only due to the low environmental impacts of these fisheries, but increasingly also because of the social benefits that they bring to the coastal communities connected to them. Like any catch method there is significant scope for further improvements in the sustainability aspects of these fisheries, providing markets with higher quality, more responsibly sourced tuna. There’s no question that this is what today’s consumers are looking for.”
The Skippers’ Guidebook to Pole-and-Line Fishing Best Practices is available online on the ISSF and IPNLF websites.
http://ipnlf.org/resources/ipnlf-documents/document/pole-line-skippers-guidebook
July 2, 2019 — The following was released by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative:
On 1 July 2019, GSSI launched a 30-day public consultation on the GSSI Benchmark Report for the Marine Eco-Label Japan (MEL) scheme.
Marine Eco-Label Japan (MEL) Council applied for GSSI recognition of its MEL scheme in September 2018 and has been benchmarked against the GSSI Global Benchmark Tool on Section A (Governance), Section B (Operational Management) Section C (Aquaculture) and D (Fisheries).
The Independent Experts and the Benchmark Committee found the scheme to be in alignment with all the GSSI Essential Components. GSSI now invites comments from all stakeholders on the recommendation of the Benchmark Committee to recognize the Marine Eco-Label Japan (MEL) scheme for their Aquaculture Management Standard (Version 1.0, 2018) and Fisheries Management Standard (Version 2.0, 2018).
Following the public consultation, the Benchmark Committee, Independent Experts and MEL will process the feedback received. GSSI’s Benchmark Committee will then provide the GSSI Steering Board with a final recommendation on recognition. The Public Consultation feedback will be made publicly available after the GSSI Steering Board’s decision.
July 2, 2019 — China has signaled a redrafting of its key law on overseas fishing.
Its law, “The Administration of Offshore Fisheries, 2003,” is being updated by the Chinese government, which has been circulating drafts to regional officials and fisheries industry representatives.
The new draft is necessary because China has joined five international fishery bodies or agreements since the 2003 law went into effect, according to a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs.
The new law will allow for higher fines and new limits on switching nationality or switching flags on vessels. But details on how or when the new regulations will be implemented have not yet become publicly available.
June 24, 2019 — The first ever discussions between the EU and the 17 members of the Forum Fishery Agency (FFA) regarding the management of marine resources took place in Pohnpei, in the Federated States of Micronesia on June 21.
The two-day meeting was arranged under the framework of the Pacific-European Union Marine Partnership program (PEUMP), a four-year initiative that aims to reduce levels of illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in the region, as well as find trade negotiations to remove the need for fishery subsidies.
FFA director general, Manu Tupou-Roosen said: “This policy dialogue is important because it is an opportunity for FFA members and the EU to have an in-depth discussion on key issues relating to the sustainable management of tuna in our region, its importance for Pacific island countries, and our cooperation in the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission to tackle issues like IUU fishing.”
June 18, 2019 — The following was released by the Marine Stewardship Council:
Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is celebrating 20 years of partnership with Whole Foods Market on sustainable seafood. In 1999, Whole Foods Market became the first US retailer to partner with the MSC to make certified sustainable seafood available to customers around the US. MSC’s longest standing retail partner created sustainable seafood as a concept for consumers by sourcing MSC certified seafood and selling products with the MSC blue fish logo.
One example of Whole Foods Market’s leadership on sustainable seafood is the sourcing of Patagonian toothfish, also known as Chilean seabass. Whole Foods Market discontinued the sale of Patagonian toothfish in 1999 due to overfishing and illegal, unreported and unregulated catch. In response to the problems in the toothfish fishery, the local government of South Georgia and environmental organizations worked to implement improvements in the fishery’s management system and pursued MSC certification to ensure long-term sustainability of the fishery. Ultimately, after obtaining third-party certification of the fishery and the required Chain of Custody under the MSC program, the fishery attained certification in 2004. Two years later, Whole Foods Market became the first retailer to sell MSC certified sustainable toothfish with the MSC blue fish label indicating to consumers that the fish came from a responsible, well-managed fishery. Having seen the benefits that MSC certification brought to South Georgia, including the potential to reach Whole Foods Market customers, other toothfish fisheries soon followed suit. Today, illegal fishing is at its lowest recorded in the fishery. Improved management, smarter practices and MSC certification have made Patagonian toothfish a viable option for consumers who want to enjoy seafood that’s good for them, and good for the oceans.
“Whole Foods Market’s longstanding partnership with the MSC is a testament to their dedication to sustainable seafood supplies and to its significant role in creating a marketplace for sustainable seafood,” said Brian Perkins, MSC’s Regional Director for the Americas. “We’re proud to celebrate 20 years of partnership with Whole Foods Market and are honored to have their leadership and foresight in safeguarding fish populations, and in making sure consumers have access to MSC certified sustainable seafood for this and future generations.”
Recent research by leading research consultancy GlobeScan found that 81% of North American seafood consumers agree that fish and seafood must be protected for future generations. These findings demonstrate the important role retailers play in creating a marketplace for sustainable seafood and help retailers like Whole Food Market to ensure they can meet consumers desires to shop sustainably.
During the month of June, fish counters at Whole Foods Markets around the country will be celebrating the partnership with special messaging about the 20 year anniversary.
June 17, 2019 — The following was released by the Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative, Southwind Foods, and Great American Seafood Imports Co:
The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative is pleased to announce that Southwind Foods has joined the GSSI Global Partnership as a Funding Partner.
Southwind Foods is a U.S. owned and operated seafood company servicing U.S. grocery, distributor and food service customers fresh and frozen seafood certified by GSSI recognized schemes BAP, ASC and MSC.
“We are excited to partner with GSSI and further our commitment to sustainable, socially responsible, safe and traceable seafood,” said Paul Galletti, Co-Owner and EVP, Sales & Marketing. “Our family owned, and operated company represents 4 generations that has made its living from commercial fishing to wholesale, processing, and distribution. We have witnessed first-hand how global seafood consumption has increased and it is crucial that we do our part to keep fish populations thriving and our seafood industry healthy for years to come.”
ABOUT SOUTHWIND FOODS
Southwind Foods is a U.S. owned and operated company supplying our grocery, distributor and food service customers the finest fresh and frozen responsibly harvested seafood from around the world.
Our corporate office and world-class 160,000 square feet BRC Global Standard, HACCP approved processing, storage, and distribution facility is located in Carson, California. We also operate sales offices in New York, Texas, and Arizona along with processing and distribution facilities in Salt Lake City, Utah, and Las Vegas, Nevada that supports our sales and distribution in all 50 states.
Southwind Foods import division, Great American Seafood Imports Co., was established in 2003 and operates as the company’s overseas procurement division. The brand consists of a diverse line of cooked, raw, and breaded, bulk and packaged shrimp, fillets, steaks, portions, whole fish, crab, shellfish, and aquatics along with value added and innovative products such as meal kits, planks, skewers, poke and more.
Our highly skilled and ethical marketing and procurement associates work closely with our customers and suppliers to supply the highest level of quality, service and value.
To learn more, please visit www.southwindfoods.com.
THE GSSI GLOBAL PARTNERSHIP
The Global Sustainable Seafood Initiative (GSSI) is a global, Public-Private Partnership, working towards more sustainable seafood for everyone. For more information on our Global Partnership and how to become a partner, please visit our website or contact us: secretariat@ourgssi.org.
June 13, 2019 — A new report released during the 2019 SeaWeb Seafood Summit, (SWSS19) has united data from five of the leading seafood sustainability NGOs, giving a comprehensive look at the sustainability of the world’s oceans.
“Sustainable Seafood: A Global Benchmark” has brought together the data and expertise of the Aquaculture Stewardship Council, Fair Trade USA, Marine Stewardship Council, Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Program, and Sustainable Fisheries Partnership. Together, the collective data has formed a report looking at the sustainability of different seafood sectors, and the priorities that should be focused on moving forward.
The report is thanks to the Seafood Certification and Ratings Collaboration, which launched in 2015.
“Through the collaboration, we aim to increase our impact by coordinating our tools and leveraging our extensive data on the sustainability of fisheries and aquaculture,” the report said.
The report, and the compiling of the data of the various NGOs, has been a goal of the collaboration and regular updated analysis are planned in the future.
“This first edition is intended as a benchmark, illustrating the current level of performance and identifying the improvements needed going forward,” the report said.
May 28, 2019 — Global seafood trade nearly doubled in recent decades, fueled by decreasing transportation costs, advances in preservation and processing technologies, and open trade policies and is now among the most highly traded commodities. The United States is currently the world’s top seafood importer and among the top five exporters. It is often quoted that 90% of seafood consumed in the United States is imported, implying only 10% is of domestic origin. Over the past decade, this statistic has been widely shared and highlighted with more than 60 news articles quoting it annually since 2014, and it is increasingly used to support proposed policy changes. In recent years, the former US Secretary of State, current US Secretary of Commerce, and members of Congress have all cited the number to call for new policy measures addressing seafood sustainability and dependence on foreign seafood.
However, we argue that far more than 10%, likely 35–38%, of seafood consumed in the United States is of domestic origin. Precise estimates are difficult because of complex supply chains: for instance, some seafood caught in the United States is exported for processing and imported again under a different trade code for consumption in the United States. Such globalized supply chains are commonplace with many products relying on numerous foreign inputs and crossing international borders multiple times. For example, beef production between the United States and Mexico can involve multiple exchanges of calves, adults, and final products. These counterintuitive patterns are created by low tariffs and transportation costs that allow producers to optimize for favorable interest rates and low production costs across supply chains, keeping prices low for US consumers of beef, seafood, and countless other products.
Unfortunately, a dark cloud looms over seafood trade as tariffs recently imposed by the United States and retaliatory tariffs imposed by China and other countries hit US seafood exporters and importers, resulting in higher seafood prices for US consumers. Accounting for the realities of globalized supply chains is not only needed for better statistics that support evidence-based policy but is also key to supporting the US seafood industry, achieving sustainable production, and meeting consumer demand.
Read the full story from the National Academy of Sciences at Medium