To the readers, viewers and listeners of SeafoodSource:
This will be my last week as Online Editor of SeafoodSource. I will be leaving my position at the end of business on 20 November. Starting 1 December, I will be assuming the role of communications manager at the nonprofit Sustainable Fisheries Partnership (SFP).
I’m writing this more to inform people who interact with this website on a regular basis of the upcoming “changing of the guard” than out of any self-serving motives, so I prefer to keep the reasons for this transition brief.
In short, I found the chance to work for SFP to be an opportunity to embrace seafood industry-related issues in a new way – an opportunity too good to pass up. Contrary to what some have said in response to my editorial commentaries in the past, I don’t dislike environmental activist organizations, nor am I an apologist for the industry. I have called on the industry to take responsibility for its mistakes, and I have praised NGOs more than once when I feel their actions are helpful and constructive. I can only assume the natural tendency for criticism to have a longer half-life in the public mind is the reason for the reputation I have inadvertently cultivated with some of our website’s audience.
For those who aren’t aware, SFP is an organization that believes in promoting sustainable sourcing of seafood. Not only does it support those in the industry who want to find an economically feasible way to do the right thing, but SFP also encourages many fishery and aquaculture improvement projects worldwide, all geared toward the mission of protecting both the environment and those who depend on it for their livelihoods.
SFP is one of those organizations that not only means well and takes a constructive approach to acting on those well-grounded motives, but it is that rare organization that does so consistently, quietly effecting positive change in the industry. I have never criticized it in this space because I have had no reason to. Its reputation both among NGOs and the industry as I have seen it remains strong and positive. If I am to move on from this position, I can think of no better place to go.
Our parent company, Diversified Communications, will hire a successor to be the next editor, but that’s an announcement the company will make on its own. As for me, I’ve spent enough time in the spotlight today. Time for me to step out.
