photo credit: David Hills Photography
Seafood Harvesters of America works closely with policymakers, fisheries managers, and scientists to ensure that policies and regulations at the national level support the sustainability of our fisheries resources and the profitability of our fishing businesses. We’re proud of our industry and the work we've done to rebuild fish stocks and ensure the viability of our businesses, and we want to see this progress continue
With our headquarters in Washington, D.C., we’re well-positioned to monitor the latest legislation and regulations. We work tirelessly on the issues of greatest concern to the commercial fishing industry.
Key Highlights of Our Current Work
Climate Change
Together with the Environmental Defense Fund, Harvesters is hosting a four-part webinar series designed specifically for fishermen and fishing industry members that will focus on different aspects of climate and fisheries. Topics will include: Climate 101, Fisheries Science + Climate, Cooperative Research + Climate, and NOAA’s Climate, Ecosystem, and Fisheries Initiative.
Webinars will last approximately one (1) hour, with presentations for the first 30-40 minutes and 20-30 minutes for Q&A and discussion.
We plan to record the presentation portion of these webinars and post them on our Youtube page. Please register to ensure you are notified of the recordings.
You must register separately for each webinar.
Climate 101: Wednesday, Aug 23, 3:00-4:00 PM ET —> REGISTER
Fisheries Science + Climate: Thursday, Sept 7, 3:00-4:00 PM ET —> REGISTER
Cooperative Research + Climate: Wednesday, Sept 20, 3:00 - 4:00 PM ET —> REGISTER
NOAA's Climate, Ecosystem, and Fisheries Initiative: Wednesday, Sept 27, 3:00-4:00 PM ET —> REGISTER
Fisheries Technology Survey
The Seafood Harvesters of America, along with NOAA Fisheries scientists, Conservation X Labs, and Schmidt Marine Technology Partners, and Alaska Ocean Cluster, conducted an online survey targeting members of the fishing industry to identify and better understand technology priorities and needs. The goal of this survey was to create a list of technology priorities for the fishing industry that can be shared with funders and tech developers so that new tech both addresses fishing industry needs and provides business opportunities for developing products that are needed by a large consumer base.
We are excited to share our
survey report HERE!
Stay tuned for additional opportunities to help advance fisheries technology. This is just the start and we look forward to continuing the work to make fishing safer, more sustainable, and more efficient through smart technology investment.
COVID-19
We’ve worked hard to support the commercial fishing industry and related seafood interests during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re working with Congress to secure direct fisheries assistance funding and USDA support for the commercial fishing industry, while also addressing the regulatory needs of the industry at NOAA offices around the country. There are unique challenges and needs in our industry, and we’ve highlighted these so that lawmakers and decision-makers in D.C., can address them.
Magnuson Stevens Act Reauthorization
We aggressively defend the core conservation and sustainability tenets of the Magnuson-Stevens Management Act (MSA). We strongly believe that the strict rebuilding timelines, annual catch limits, and strong accountability measures within the MSA contribute directly to healthy fish stocks and profitable fishing businesses.
Electronic Monitoring
We support advancing cost-effective, efficient, and sensible electronic monitoring and reporting programs in fisheries across the country. Electronic technologies have the ability to provide managers with enormous amounts of valuable data at a fraction of the cost; however, they must be designed with the industry in mind.
Appropriations
Robust government funding for NOAA is critical—it enables the agency’s core missions and programs to operate effectively. We have advocated for funding for NOAA's Stock Assessments and Surveys, Fishery Management Councils and Commissions, and Electronic Monitoring work, among other programs. Ensuring that NOAA has the resources it needs to function properly will help ensure our fisheries resources and businesses stay healthy.
Working with NOAA
We are proud to partner with NOAA's FishWatch Program in an effort to educate consumers about the seafood they're purchasing. This resource provides educational materials, including management history and even recipes, for many of the species our members catch and land.
Additionally, many of our members engage in cooperative research projects with their regional science centers. These projects include participating in new survey methods, testing new gear, and piloting innovative ocean technology to aid in ongoing science and research efforts.
“Conservation means responsibly, and profitably, harvesting now so we can leave a healthy, and profitable fishery for generations to come.”
If you have additional questions feel free to email us at info@seafoodharvesters.org.