On Tuesday the Jersey Seafood campaign, an expanded branding and marketing campaign for New Jersey seafood, was launched. The goal of the campaign is to label approved fish as sustainably harvested so they become a value-added product in the marketplace.
Operating under the support of the state department of agriculture's $800,000-a-year Jersey Fresh promotional effort, the Jersey Seafood program will sell only fish that meet environmental and quality assurances.
According to department officials, any fish that's in the program must meet all of the state, federal and international guidelines and regulations to prevent overfishing.
Leveraged by private industry, including 350-plus restaurants that prominently feature New Jersey produce and fish, the department's promotional work brings in about $50 to the state's farming and fishing economy for every dollar spent.
