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A new international eco-certification can help revitalize the seafood industry in the Northwest.

A small fleet of Northwest tuna boats has just become the second tuna fishery in the U.S. to be awarded a prestigious eco-certification by the Marine Stewardship Council www.msc.org . The Western Fishboat Owners Association www.pacificalbacore.com  now can use MSC's eco-label on its products-indicating that the seafood was caught from a sustainable fish population using environmentally sound methods.

The fleet of family-run boats hopes the international recognition will help revitalize the declining U.S. albacore industry, hit hard by fuel hikes, increasing regulation, and competition from cheap, overseas labor.

Currently about 80% of the U.S. is exported (Asia, Europe) with the remaining sold in the U.S. and Canada markets. The group hopes the certification will attract more local interest from chefs and consumers looking for local, sustainable suppliers.

Oregon, where the majority of the tuna is landed, is fast becoming the U.S. capital of sustainable seafood with four commercial fisheries awarded the certification (hake, pink shrimp, halibut, albacore).

Happy to arrange interviews or provide additional information. Thank you for your consideration.

Kind regards,

Valerie Silverman Kerr, valerie@crocmedia.com 914-806-6647

posted 3 years, 1 month ago
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