Shortly before the Annual Shrimp Forum began at the International Boston Seafood Show today, I overheard the contingency from Environmental Defense discussing how the seafood industry no longer seems afraid to engage them in conversation. It's been fascinating to see the evolving relationship between the industry and the environmental community in recent years. Previously, the association between the two was downright chilly. But, as evidenced by Environmental Defense's participation in the forum, there is a greater level of collaboration with green groups. They're each better off as a result.
The New York-based non-governmental organization has been particularly critical of offshore aquaculture, yet it does not simply dismiss the importance of fish farming as a means to meet global demand for seafood. Since the industry has embraced the philosophies of sustainability, green groups are taking a more diplomatic and constructive approach toward seafood producers.
Environmental Defense, for example, last year took part in developing a set of shrimp-purchasing criteria for Wegmans, a retail chain based in Rochester, N.Y. The plan places strict limits on contaminants like PCBs and methylmercury as well as a zero-tolerance policy for banned veterinary drugs. The group is encouraging other seafood buyers to look at the standards to see if they're right for them.
Getting "into bed" with NGOs has long been a precarious proposition for seafood companies - they've been burned before. But if the two sides can continue to bridge the gaps and foster a meaningful, long-term dialogue based on realistic goals, the end result will be better seafood products that benefit the environmental, community and consumers around the world.
Thank you,
James Wright
Assistant Editor
SeaFood Business
