Sustainable Future for Gulf of Mexico Fisheries

To join other business leaders in the conversation to protect and preserve the future of Gulf seafood please contact: Kathryn Novak, Sustainable Seafood Program Manager email: knovak@oceanconservancy.org phone: 727-369-6617 Koyel Mandal, Fisheries Economist email: kmandal@oceanconservancy.org phone: 512-524-7438

"We have recently been working with Ocean Conservancy to support an end to overfishing and working to rebuild fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico. They identified a specific problem, a solution, and an actionable step that we could participate in and pass on to our customers. We appreciate their concise, business-friendly approach." - Mary Smith, Marketing Director, The Plitt Company

Sustainable Seafood In the News Businesses Seeking Expertise from the Conservation Community Now Have Clear Steps for Moving Ahead on Sustainable Seafood With 'Problem' Fisheries, Closer Involvement may be the Answer

It's everyone's business

Ensuring the long-term sustainability of our ocean resources makes sound economic sense, especially in the Gulf of Mexico region, an area strongly identified with reef fish for seafood markets locally and around the world.

A New Business Model

Ocean Conservancy proposes that seafood buyers engage in fixing troubled, "red-listed" fisheries. Buyers can make a huge impact by doing business with fishermen who are committed to sustainable fishing practices and better management that improves the fishery. Rather than walking away from these troubled fisheries, seafood buyers demonstrate to fishermen and consumers their lasting commitment to improve the once-thriving fisheries of the Gulf of Mexico.

Ocean Conservancy's goal is to see the Gulf's most popular, wild fisheries, particularly Gulf shrimp and reef fish like red snapper, grouper and amberjack, become the success stories of America's sustainable seafood movement.

What would this mean for your seafood business?

• Consistent, reliable supply of quality Gulf seafood products
• Ability to market an American product and support US commercial fishermen and the economy
• Targeted consumer base. According to Nielsen research, "sustainability-conscious" consumers now number around 35 million, or about 16 percent of the adult American population
• A premium product. Nielsen research also found that these consumers are willing to pay up to 20 percent more for "greener" products
• For Gulf retailers, chefs, and restaurants:
• Fewer "food miles" and a smaller carbon footprint
• Ability to market fresh, local seafood favored by tourists and locals alike

To see these goals realized, Ocean Conservancy has launched a "Campaign for Sustainable Seafood in the Gulf of Mexico."

As your partner, we will:

• Guide buyers on "best fishing practices" within particular fisheries
• Provide a platform for seafood businesses to engage in policy reform
• Provide concise information, action steps, and measurable goals that align with your business plan
• Link seafood buyers to the most-sustainable performers in targeted fisheries
• Keep you updated on stock assessments, data collection, new gear types, and other crucial information

Why is Policy Engagement Important?

Fisheries management in the Gulf is complicated, controversial, and often short-sighted. For example, red snapper was designated as overfished in 1989, but no meaningful strides had been made to rebuild red snapper for almost two decades. The spawning population plummeted to less than three percent of its historic abundance. Your business depends upon the long-term availability of wild Gulf fish, like red snapper; but the needs of restaurants, chefs, grocery stores, and other major seafood buyers are often not represented at proceedings to establish fishery regulatory policies..

At the core of Ocean Conservancy's approach to sustainable seafood is providing a platform for easy engagement in policy and fisheries management issues. We will provide you with policy updates and advise you on when and how to get involved. Our experience with current partners has demonstrated that one well-timed letter from a seafood buyer can make a huge difference.

Our unique approach has won industry support and has already helped advance sustainability for Gulf of Mexico red snapper and shrimp. With a science-based red snapper rebuilding plan finally in place, the Gulf's signature fish is on a true road to recovery and has set a new standard for fishery management in the Gulf. In addition, we have made great strides working with seafood buyers to build a market for more sustainable Gulf shrimp products.