Making a mark
Regional branding programs promote traceable local seafood from sustainable fisheries
By Linc Bedrosian
The real-estate mantra "location, location, location" is now a cornerstone of a new trend in seafood. Regional branding programs emphasize the local nature of the seafood fishermen catch, the path it takes from boat to plate and the fishery's sustainability.
ATY Northeast
Mainer goes east for 55-footer; lobster boat is launched at last
Dallas Huckins of Machiasport, Maine, obviously likes the boats built at Dixon's Marine Group 2000 in Woods Harbor, Nova Scotia. He was lobstering and scalloping out of a 48' x 18' boat built by Dixon's Marine Group 2000 until he took delivery of his most recent boat, also built by the Canadian boatyard.
Following seas
The fishing industry is full of risks. You could go out and never get on top of the fish, lose your catch, lose your boat, lose yourself or a crew member overboard. And even if every day on the water goes as hoped or planned, you could lose your quota if the data says your fishery is not healthy enough to sustain the commercial take (sometimes regardless of the extent of fishing effort).
Gulf/South Atlantic Spiny Lobster
Trifecta of catch, demand and price brings high spirits to season opener
As fishermen anticipate an Aug. 6 spiny lobster opening, the market outlook and morale in this Florida fishery are as good as they ever get.
Fishermen are coming off a record season, certainly the best in overall value since 1986 and possibly the best ever. Landings were excellent, and robust, persistent demand supported consistently strong prices.
Paradise lost
From U.S. Coast Guard reports
Every year several million visitors come to Hawaii for coconut palm-lined beaches, sun and fresh local seafood. The island state's commercial fishing industry hauls in more than $70 million in annual revenue.
On the last day of October, a 69-foot, steel longliner loaded with fuel, ice, fresh bait and an eager crew of six, left Hilo to fill its holds with mahi-mahi and ahi tuna on a 12-day trip.
Callifornia crabbing: Here's a fun video shot on the decks of the Majestik while catching Dungeness crab off the coast of northern California.
Alaska fisherman and commercial fisheries activist Kevin Adams was elected chairman at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute board of directors meeting on May 9 in Anchorage.
The governor-appointed board consists of seven members: five seafood processors and two industry representatives actively engaged in commercial fishing. Adams was appointed to fill a harvester seat by Gov. Frank Murkowski in 2004.
With 38 years of fishing experience in Bristol Bay, Adams has long been an active member in the Alaska fishing industry, ASMI says. He has worked for both the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation and the Bering Sea Fisherman's Association, and represents Alaska fishermen on numerous boards.
The Northeast Regional Planning Body, a group of state, tribal and federal representatives from New England who are working to implement the National Ocean Policy and address critical New England ocean issues, is holding a series of public meetings in May and June.
The meetings are being held to discuss draft regional ocean planning goals and associated potential actions. The planning body seeks input on these goals and actions. Additional information on the group's progress can be found here.
The meetings will also provide an opportunity to review draft maps and products from initial efforts to gather information on the natural resources and diverse uses of the ocean, including fishing, transportation, energy and infrastructure, aquaculture, and recreation.
National Fisherman has been the industry standard for over 50 years. Readers from coast to coast depend on it to stay up to date on news, regulations, fish stocks, to research purchasing decisions and to stay informed of the newest vessel and product technology.
