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The FishChoice Current
Businesses for Bristol Bay
Businesses for Bristol Bay
The urgency needed to protect Bristol Bay fisheries and communities is once again at a high as the review for Pebble Mine's permit application under the Clean Water Act has begun. The proposed Pebble Mine will jeopardize the health and productivity of the bay and a coalition called Businesses for Bristol Bay (B4BB) is working hard to protect the watershed of the world's largest sockeye salmon fishery. 

"Businesses for Bristol Bay advocates for economic prosperity in the Bristol Bay region and beyond by advancing public policy that provides companies, communities, and individuals with stability and a level playing field.  By putting the needs of local businesses that depend on Bristol Bay’s fisheries first, we can drive responsible economic development in Alaska and the industries that rely on its resources.

The economic impact of Bristol Bay is enormous and supports both local communities and a global seafood industry. This is why over 150 notable businesses (including Costa Sunglasses, HyVee, Jax Fish House, Orvis, Patagonia, Publix, and Tom Douglas) have voiced their support to keep the Bristol Bay watershed intact by joining the B4BB coalition. The coalition also includes the following FishChoice Affiliates and Supplier Members: If you want to learn more or are interested in supporting the protection of Bristol Bay, here are some options:
  • Follow and share information on B4BB with your colleagues on Facebook and Twitter
  • Contact B4BB to become an ambassador as an active member of the coalition
  • Sign a letter to support the protection of Bristol Bay and encourage others in the industry to do the same
Seafood Spotlight: Snow Crab

The best-quality, high-price snow crab comes from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where some Canadian processors use cryogenic freezers that produce a superior product, but most of this crab goes to the Japanese market. Most snow crab sections will be packed with some broken legs in the box and should be checked for excess glaze and broken pieces—the industry standard for broken pieces is 10%. Snow crabs are usually sold as sections or “clusters” (4 walking legs and a claw arm), typically graded 3/5 oz., 5/8 oz. and 8 ups; with 5/8 oz. sections compromising the bulk of the production. The meat yield from snow crab is about 17% compared to approximately 25% in king crab and Dungeness crab. The dirty brown barnacle-covered shells of older snow crab shells may look unappetizing but can have higher meat content, making them a good bargain, according to some buyers. Most snow crab consumed in the US is imported, primarily from Canada.

Key sustainability sourcing notes for snow crab based on landings from 2014-2016 and the most recent Seafood Watch assessments and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certifications as of March, 2019:

  • ~50% of global snow crab landings are MSC-certified (~70% from Newfoundland and ~30% from Nova Scotia)
  • ~20% of global snow crab landings meet the "Best Choice (green)" rating (Alaska) 
  • ~5% of global snow crab landings meet the "Avoid (red)" rating (Russia) - although most experts report significant IUU and under-reporting of snow crab among other crabs coming from Russia
  • ~25% of global snow crab landings are unrated (~80% from Gulf of St. Lawrence* and 5% from Norway, Latvia, and Greenland combined)
  • *On March 20, 2018 Gulf of St. Lawrence fishery's MSC certification was suspended, and this is ~20% of global supply
  • In May, 2017, Seafood Watch retired all three of their snow crab assessments for Canadian fisheries
  • 2016 global landings saw a decrease of ~5% from 2014 and ~15% from 2015 
Get more details on sourcing, selling, and sustainability with our snow crab seafood guide.  
Micmac Farms - Caribou, Maine
Micmac Farms

Micmac Farms is a producer of Maine brook trout. The business pledges not to use antibiotics or harsh chemicals to raise fish and is committed to the wellbeing of the fish in its care. The state-of-the-art recirculating aquaculture facility is a 34,000-gallon system designed to provide fish more space to swim in natural patterns. A dedication to freshness and sustainability are the defining principles the business operates by. Raising fish sustainably is a core mission of the farm. The farm raises its brook trout from wild-caught broodstock collected from waters in Maine. Micmac Farms raises wholesome and nutritious foods the most natural way possible. Read more...

Ekstrom Aquaculture, LLC. - El Campo, Texas
Ekstrom Aquaculture

Ekstrom Aquaculture is family-owned and operated with pride. Careful farm inventory and management and experience have made the business a producer of premium fish for over 20 years. Consistent availability is one of the greatest services the company provides. Ekstrom Aquaculture fish are sold fresh, never frozen. The fish contain no hormones and no antibiotics and are a 100% traceable product of the USA. Ekstrom Aquaculture is committed to operating responsibly to preserve natural resources for future generations. The company is committed to meeting the growing consumer demand for quality fish without negatively impacting wild fisheries or the environment. Read more...

Sustainable Seafood News of the Week
Loggerhead Turtle Interaction Shuts Down Hawaii Swordfish Longlingers
(Undercurrent News, 3/22/2019)

Return of the Bay Scallop
(Chesapeake Bay Magazine, 3/26/2019)

California Crab Fisheries to Close Early to Protect Whales
(NBC Bay Area, 3/26/2019)

Dramatic Sardine Population Decline Means Likely West Coast Fishing Ban
(San Francisco Chronicle, 3/26/2019)

A Blue Crab Invasion is Making Life Hell for Spanish Fisherman
(Munchies, 3/28/2019)

Lobsters Unharmed by Atlantic Canada Salmon Farm, 8-Year Study Finds
(CBC News, 3/22/2019)

Sustainable Aquaculture: The Solution to Food Procurement
(Government Europa, 3/25/2019)

Industrial-Scale Aquaculture Intensifies Greenhouse Gas Emissions
(Asian Scientiest, 3/26/2019)

Georgia's Controversial Bill to Legalize Oyster Farming Nears Approval
(The New Food Economy, 3/28/2019)

What Do Fish Buyers Think of Fishing vs. Farming?
(National Fisherman, 3/26/2019)

Make Room for These Invasive Seafood Species on Your Menu
(Plate Online, 3/25/2019)

Global Standards on Seafood Traceability Launched: 'Knowing Your Supply Chain is a Must'
(FoodNavigator, 3/25/2019)

H-E-B Bolsters Sustainable Seafood Policy
(Supermarket News, 3/26/2019)

Tesco Joins Ocean Disclosure Project, Divulges Wild-Catch Sources
(SeafoodSource, 3/26/2019)

New Measures Introduced to Combat Force and Child Labor in Seafood Businesses
(Marine Stewardship Council, 3/28/2019)
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FishChoice.com
FishChoice, Inc. (FCI) is a registered 501(c)(3) environmental nonprofit founded in 2008 that envisions a thriving and sustainable global seafood industry. FishChoice is dedicated to helping businesses advance their seafood sustainability efforts on their own by offering solutions that accelerate sustainability in the global seafood industry. FishChoice currently operates the flagship FishChoice platform (established 2009) and FisheryProgress platform (established 2016). 
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