On Wednesday, Gorton’s and the New England Aquarium (NEA) celebrated the five-year anniversary of a partnership to find sustainable seafood solutions.
The aquarium’s sustainable seafood program served as Gorton’s consulting partner, analyzing and evaluating fish supplies from habitat impacts to fishing practices to overall health of the species to determine sustainability.
On Wednesday the two organizations hosted a press event and tasting to celebrate the milestone.
Gorton’s and NEA said the effort is still evolving since research is needed to monitor the ups and downs of fish stocks. NEA helps Gorton’s by monitoring the industry closely for fishing trends and global aquaculture developments and by researching the environmental risks of species in Gorton’s interest. Since the whitefish industry is so vital to making Gorton’s trademark fish sticks and other products, the Aquarium and Gorton’s share information about whitefish sources.
The aquarium and Gorton’s then work together to determine the best ways for the company to use its resources and purchasing leverage to improve the sustainability of the seafood it buys and sells. For example, Gorton’s is currently funding improvement projects in the North Pacific, including research into trawling impacts.
“Having the expertise of the New England Aquarium scientists behind us is invaluable,” said Lisa Webb, Gorton’s VP of supply chain. “The team advises us on how to ensure greater environmental accountability with our fish sources. With guidance from the aquarium, we do our part for responsible marine conservation.”
“Working with Gorton’s has been a rewarding experience,” said Tania Taranovski, NEA sustainable seafood programs manager. “They are truly committed to making change and have been active partners in the effort to improve seafood sustainability.”
