Mass. passes seafood marketing bill

Growing seafood sales in Massachusetts and beyond is the goal of a new bill recently passed the state’s legislature and waiting to be signed by Governor Deval Patrick.

“We want people to be aware of the health benefits of eating locally-produced seafood and we want to let people know about the economic benefits of buying seafood,” State Rep. Jim Cantwell (D) (pictured), one of the supporters of H.R. 4377, Promoting Economic Growth Across the Commonwealth, told SeafoodSource. The commercial fishing industry — including all supporting businesses — employs an estimated 50,000 people in the state and contributes enormously to the state’s economy, according to Cantwell.

However, the fishing industry is struggling nationwide, and the government should help with research and funding, he said. “More stringent regulations have limited the ability for fishermen to go out and make a living. I’m frustrated at what I think is imperfect science and want to make sure we perfect the science.”

“The people that depend on our commercial fisheries are fighting every day for survival against monumental challenges, and our state needs to play an active role in promoting the value and consumption of their harvest,” said Massachusetts Senator Bruce Tarr. “This program will create a powerful partnership between the state and the industry to educate and motivate consumers about the value of Massachusetts seafood, and its diversity and sustainability.”

Massachusetts seafood needs to have a coordinated marketing and branding campaign so it can be recognized as readily as Idaho potatoes and Napa Valley wine, according to Cantwell. Technology, including tracking the source of seafood at restaurants and retailers back to the boat, could be part of the marketing program in the future.

“We were looking for a way that the government can help them [those involved in the seafood industry] grow their businesses, and the economic development bill was a perfect vehicle,” Cantwell said.

To that end, the governor will appoint a team of 12 people — four commercial fishermen, one lobsterman, one scallop fishery representative, one shellfish industry representative, one seafood wholesaler, one retailer, one seafood restaurateur and two people from fishing advocacy groups to advise on a strategy.

While the marketing initiative aims to grow recognition and sales of seafood within Massachusetts, Cantwell believes more international demand will be created as well.

The funds allotted to the new seafood marketing program will depend on appropriations by the state legislature.

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