Melanie Siggs, vice president of SeaWeb, has noted that the movement to transform the seafood markets to support sustainably-produced seafood is no longer just a conversation between environmental organizations. Today this movement has spread across the entire value chain for seafood, from the fisherman and the farmer to the trader, the wholesaler, the processor and the seller. This conversion goes beyond those industry figures to include others who have influence on this value chain: regulators, culinary leaders and consumers. At the January 2011 Seafood Summit in Vancouver, Ms. Siggs encouraged Summit attendees to think about what “authentic change” in the seafood supply chain would look like to produce measurable change on the water.
Seafood produced and sold “responsibly” is the path to achieving measurable results that will stand the test of time. Use of the term “responsible” sets in motion a value system that spreads across the entire seafood supply chain, right to the end consumer. It correctly links the need for an integrated, collaborative and cooperative effort. Stimulating the participation of individuals throughout a diverse industry facilitates a strong sense of individual and community ownership in finding solutions to help our oceans.
I left Seaweb’s Seafood Summit encouraged by the vigor of the conversation and it’s ever widening pool of participants. This week, I am heading to Boston to continue the dialogue in a different, but equally important sphere. The Boston Seafood show is an annual gathering of seafood professionals representing 923 companies from 41 countries. Participants will include buyers, distributors, wholesalers, exporters, importers, brokers, traders and environmental organizations involved in the sustainable seafood movement. As the show begins, I will be on the look out for responsible practices across the supply chain that will deliver great seafood and a healthy ocean.
