The National Fisheries Institute Crab Council, a group of 18 U.S. blue-swimming crab suppliers, on Wednesday released an open letter that it sent to seafood buyers across the United States seeking their support for its initiatives and their business.
Below is the letter, in full.
Dear Crab Buyers:
Blue Swimming Crab is a favorite among seafood consumers. Its sweet taste and bright white color can be found in crab cakes, sautés, ceviche and so many other dishes in restaurants and dining rooms across the country. The NFI Crab Council is a group of domestic crab importers committed to preserving this seafood classic as a valuable resource for many meals (and generations) to come.
Since forming in 2009, the NFI Crab Council has provided funding and coordinated support for Blue Swimming Crab Fishery Improvement Plans throughout Southeast Asia. The council’s member companies recognize the importance of a thriving crab fishery for their businesses, local economies and environmental habitat. Members assess themselves a tax on every pound of Blue Swimming Crab imported and 100% of the funds raised, over $300,000 annually, go to support Blue Swimming Crab sustainability efforts at the source. Whether it’s net-exchange programs, stock assessment efforts or harvest control education the Council is the leader in focused, fundamental change for Blue Swimming Crab fisheries.
Through this industry-led sustainability model, the Crab Council has generated close to two million dollars of investment and landed a full-catch of partnerships from WWF, the Walton Family Fund, Sustainable Fisheries Partnership and 50 in 10 to the World Bank. Abroad and at home, the Crab Council has become synonymous with corporate stewardship. Now, we want you to ask: What is my crab supplier doing for Blue Swimming Crab sustainability?
The NFI Crab Council believes that sustainability is everyone’s responsibility. Inquire with your crab supplier about whether they are a member of the NFI Crab Council, and if not, ask them to visit committedtocrab.org and consider joining.
Sincerely,
Gavin Gibbons
NFI Crab Council
