Atlantic Capes Fisheries joins Ocean Wise Seafood’s sustainable seafood program

A fisherman for Atlantic Capes Fisheries moves scallops from one basket to another.

Ocean Wise Seafood has announced Atlantic Capes Fisheries has joined the conservation organization’s sustainable seafood program.

The program, established in 2005 by the Vancouver Aquarium, is designed to make It easy for consumers to choose sustainable seafood. Ocean Wise Seafood has since separated from the aquarium into an independent organization focusing on ocean conservation programs like plastic reduction, shoreline cleanups, and more.

Cape May, New Jersey-based Atlantic Capes Fisheries is one of the largest vertically integrated seafood companies on the east coast of the U.S., with a specialization in Atlantic sea scallops and Atlantic surf clams. Its late founder, Daniel Cohen, was an advocate for sustainability and won the FINese Award for Responsible Fisheries form the National Fisheries Institute for his efforts.

Atlantic Capes Senior Vice President of Sales Jim Mullin said that the company’s sustainability mission is core to the company’s philosophy.

“Our vision and leadership in sustainability has always been a point of differentiation separating Atlantic Capes Fisheries from the competition. In recent years, sustainability has become a major decision-making factor for industry leaders and end-consumers when purchasing seafood,” he said. “Sustainability must continue to be a key factor for it to be successful for the next generations.”

Atlantic Capes Fisheries Director of Quality Assurance Matthew Grolnic told SeafoodSource that Ocean Wise’s approach to sustainability made it a great fit for the company.

“We found that we align well with some of the things we were already doing, and maybe some of the things we could use additional guidance on,” he said.

The sustainability organization’s hands-on approach to sustainability, he added, appealed to the company.

“There’s very little bureaucracy with them, they are boots on the ground initiating change and initiating improvements, and I found that extremely motivating,” Grolnic said. “When you talk to the people there, they are 24/7 into this.”

Ocean Wise’s seafood recommendations involve the organization engaging directly with restaurants, markets, food services, and seafood suppliers to keep them updated on current scientific information on what seafood is sustainable, and “help them make ocean-friendly buying decisions,” Ocean Wise said in a release. Among the criteria it covers is sustainable harvesting that ensures resilient stocks, adaptive management, and limited negative impacts on other species.

“The Ocean Wise Seafood program is proud to partner with Atlantic Capes Fisheries and work with them to increase access to sustainable seafood options for their customers,” Ocean Wise Seafood Program Manager Sophika Kostyniuk said in a release. “Partnering with businesses like Atlantic Capes Fisheries sends a strong message that choosing sustainable seafood helps ensure the long-term health of our oceans and the continued success of the fisheries industry.”  

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Capes

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